In the last few years my children have received a handful of birthday party invitations to places that are somewhat far away (an hour or so by car). The venues range from sporting events, to arcade type centers/entertainment complexes, to dinners. The parents of the birthday child have very cordially arranged transportation (usually mom and dad both drive and maybe a aunt or uncle.) So, everything is taken care of – easy for me. At least theoretically.
Maybe it is just me, but I usually turn down these invitations. I have a hard time letting my kids out of my local vicinity. In my worried mind, there is too much that can go wrong.
Take the car ride, for instance. I am used to driving around with my four kids in tow. But honestly, the noise level in my van is distracting and stressful. Between the playing, bickering, complaining, and the “out-doing” each other, well the word is MIGRAINE. I can’t imagine driving six 7, 8, or 9 year olds anywhere and arriving at my destination safely. And why any parent would volunteer for this form of torture is a mystery to me.
Then there is the matter of the party itself. If my child is local, then I have the peace of mind knowing that if they get hurt or don’t feel well then I can come get them. (Of course, this has never happened but Murphy says that it will when my child is 50 miles away!)
Let me say that my favorite type of birthday party is a small, old fashioned party. Yes, I am guilty of hosting the easy, big parties at the local fun centers. But nothing beats having two or three children over for cake and ice cream, a movie, and a few backyard games. Basically, a glorified playdate.
And why not?
What do you think? Would you let your child go to a birthday party that is far away from where you live?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Uhm. Not in a million years? I don’t like other people driving my kids. When they are in middle school, maybe. I don’t even like teachers driving kids for school outings and have had a few issues with that at school.
I tend to stay at the birthday parties to keep an eye anyway. Maybe I am over protective, but too many kids are hard to watch at once and with my luck, my child will be lost or something.
It is good to know that I am not alone with my concerns.
No way! If I don’t know the Parent My kids don’t go alone. I had a mom offer a ride to a local pizza play place. I attended. There is no way I would ever let my kids go with anyone I did not know very well like for years. I do not do sleep overs unless it is a medical emergencey and then only with the folks well known. If I and the parents are friends I might consider letting them ride in their car. To accept such liability as to transport others children like what you spoke of is ludicrous! I would never accept that liability either.
Most parents now days care more about their own freedoms and say sure go have fun.
Yep were old fashioned (SMART) to care enough to be so inconvenienced
I am with you.
By the way thank you for your sweet supportive comments. I have been way overwhelmed lately:)
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Donetta. As you have found some time to leave me a comment, I am hopeful that your schedule is easing up! Hang in there.
Nope, my kids wouldn’t attend. Is it that hard to find something local that is fun? There is just too many things that could go wrong in a situtaion like that.
BTW, we are old fashioned too. Our favorite birthday party is to invite families to a local park for popscicles and cupcakes while the kids wade and play. Low stress, lots of fun, and every parent is responsible for their own kid.
Karen,
I love your party idea – it sounds relaxing for both parents and kids.