My son is having his 5th birthday party on a Saturday in a couple weeks. We want to have pizza and cake because......my son asked for pizza too. So I'm thinking close to lunch or dinner. Many of his friends have younger siblings that still nap in the afternoon (after lunch). While the younger siblings are certainly welcome (they are all about the age of my younger son so they can "play" too), and we don't mind at this party whether the parents come or not. But keeping in mind MY youngest son's naptime (and the siblings).....what would be best??? I'm worried that if little ones miss their or the naps or it runs too close to naptime, they'll be cranky and whining (my youngest is NOT sunshine and light when he's tired, and I know others are similar).
In this situation, what do I do? Do we have a part from like 11 or 11:30 to 1 or 1:30 (is that too early in the morning?), or in the evening? I have no idea what to do or what would be more feasible. I worry that if it's too close to dinner, mom's might have to deal with husband and other children, so less likely to come to the party. Any thoughts or opinions?
Well thanks moms! I went ahead and did the 11am-1pm party slot so they can play games and have fun, have lunch, a little more playing, then the cake/gifts and time to go home. Looking forward to it! Thanks for the advice everyone.
Go for 11-1 or even 11:30-1:00.
I would issue invitations that say the party is for the guest kids only. Sorry, I know a lot of folks on here stress about inviting younger or older sibs to birthday parties and that only make things tougher. I bet parents would LOVE to drop off their five-year-olds and not have to stay, and not have to chase their younger kids while at the party. No one will be offended.
For a 5 year old and siblings - I would have the party EITHER at 1130 or 4PM. Most younger siblings are napping from 1 to 3 - at least that's the way it was for us.
While I think it's great you are worried about other people's schedules...you shouldn't HAVE to be. I would plan my family's day accordingly around the party. If you feel that you are disrupting things - stick with 1130 - then you are feeding them lunch and the kids can play and then go home for nap...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
GOOD LUCK!!
I would plan a 2 hour slot with a regular meal time in the time frame, such as 11-1 or 10-noon. That way the little ones are home and calmed down in plenty of time for their afternoon nap.
I would go for 11 am. That way they can arrive and play for a few minutes, then eat at about 11:30. I have had a few parties that start at a 11 and it seems to work for most everyone, even those with younger nappers. Since it's on a Saturday, probably most families will have the option of Dad saying home with the younger sibling if it's an issue, but moreover, at 5 if it's really an issue, I would expect that most parents would just drop off their older child and take their younger one home. I wouldn't worry too much, most people will make it work as best as possible and you need it to work for your family!
We had this problem when we were doing a third birthday we did 3:30pm to 5:30pm they were all ready rested when they got to the party and they were running around so much they fell straight to sleep when they got home!
I would be selfish and schedule it for what works for you and your family. You are the one planning it. I know you want to be a good hostess but this party is about your son and not about what works for everyone else.
With that said, I have always appreciated the morning parties - both attending as a guest and for planning for my kids. It frees up your day for the sugar download and over stimulation that getting a bunch of kids get together.
Having been a birthday party entertainer for years, I would highly suggest 11am. Parents seem to like having the party earlier in the day (especially those with little ones) because they still have the rest of their day to tend to other things.
Now with that being said, you may run into sports activites on Saturday times, as well, so that is something to keep in mind.
Just my two cents,
R.
Have it from 11a - 1p. This will still leave time for naps.
