Is It Ok to Ask Parents for Phone Numbers at Birthday Party??

I always include a note in the invitation that they are welcome to drop the child off but please introduce themselves and provide a phone number so they can be reached in an emergency. I have never had any complain about it. I would rather meet the parents and know who is picking the child up. You never know what can happen. I had someone tell me taht was tacky but the parents all coorperated. I don;t think safety is tacky. It wasn't like I told them to buy a gift.

Yes. Definitely ask for numbers. Unfortunately accidents happen and it may be necessary to contact the parent.

In case of emergencies, YES get their phone numbers. Have a log in sheet at the front door and make sure every parent signs it. I would not leave my child anywhere without them knowing how to reach me.

even with my teenager's parties, I ask for an emerg contact #. Most of these kids have attended parties at our house before & the parents know to expect this of me. But for 1st-timers, I have had quite a few incredulous responses! I think this stems from most of the kids having their own cell phones.....but I don't care, I want a clear, easily-accesible # for the Moms without having to scroll thru their child's phone. I believe this is all part of "thinking & acting responsibly".

I always leave my number and get thier number in case there is an emergency. I would be too worried if I left my son at a party and they didn't have my number to get a hold of me if something went wrong also if something were to happen at our end, how would I inform them to let them know.

I ALWAYS leave my numbers (home and cell) along with my full name and my son's/daughter's name on the same piece of paper.

And I always ask if someone drops off a kid with us...

You just never know what might happen.

Yes, get a phone number if dropping your son off anywhere.
And GIVE the person your phone number too.
And get the phone number of any parent who drops their kid off at your place or party.
Not all Moms "remember" to do that.... or they assume their kid knows their phone number, or they were too distracted at the time to get a phone number/give a phone number at the time.

I can't see why any parents would take offence to you being concerned about the other children's safety. I didn't think about this at my son's party, but I had at least 2 of the parents leave there numbers just in case. When I leave my son I leave him with his dad's business card, introduce myself & tell them he has his dad's number in case it is needed.

God bless!

My kids aren't at the age yet where I drop them off at parties and vice-versa, but this is a great idea! For playdates, when the child is dropped off, I always get the phone number of the parent just in case I need to call them. It would be a horrible situation if a child was in my care and they needed their parent for anything and I couldn't get a hold of them. Great idea and ask away!

This is me but other Moms can do what they please. I have never done a drop off for a birthday party. I always stayed no matter what. When I have hosted birthday parties I always get a number and ask that they pick there children up at a certain time.

my brother always asks for parents numbers of where they can be reached when the kids are dropped off at their house for a birthday party. He lives in the country and every kid they invite seems to show up and the parents don't stay because they take the opportunity to go run errands or shop while their kids are at the birthday party so he gets cell phone numbers or whatever number is best to reach them at. He has a clipboard ready at the door and has them sign in upon arrival. None of them seem offended or curious and actually have a positive reaction and say wow that is a smart idea and need to do that at their parties.

Absolutely ok to get numbers. It shows you are a responsible parent, and are looking out for the best interest of the kids. It is always good to have an emergency contact number even if it is only for a couple of hours.

Good luck with the party!

D.

Absolutely! I recently had a birthday party for my daughter and it didn't occur to me to request everyone's numbers. (I had everyone's home phones in a folder somewhere, but not everyone's cell phones.) I was *very* thankful that the two parents I didn't know well handed me their cell numbers already written on a piece of paper! Have a paper and pen near the door and ask for phone numbers, in case of emergency. Every parent will be glad you did! :)

I have never dropped off my child at a party but if I had to I would definitely leave a number so I can be reached . I would say ask for the parent's number if it's not offered, I wouldn't be offended if you asked.

ABSOLUTLY!!!! I can't imagine NOT having a contact number especially if they are leaving their child there!!! What if they got hurt or sick!?!?! I'm a daycare provider as well and have had this problem that the parents changed their number and didn't tell me...so I'm dealing with a child who was throwing up and no way to get a hold of them... the mother had even changed jobs and didn't tell me. And the dad's boss said it'd be a couple hours before he saw him to give him the message. GET NUMBERS!!!!!!

I have always written my number down incase there was a problem and they needed me to go back. Just leave a pad & pen out and say if they are planning on going somewhere could they leave a number so you can call if need be. None of them should mind being asked and if they do they are being unreasonable

I usually leave the paper and pen on the same table where I am having them place the gifts. That way they'll see it if I forget to mention it to them at the door.

Good luck!
K.

As a mom who has birthday parties at home where all the class mates are invited i say YES get numbers!!! You never know what will happen where you might need it. I think parents will appreciate you being responsible in that way as well.

You absolutely should ask for numbers and the parents should be delighted to leave them.

It never hurts to have the numbers incase... most people just don't think about it. With everything going on & trying to keep up with all the kids w/ everything going on... it just might have slipped their mind.