Birthday party etiquette and siblings

Anonymous
DS1 is attending a classmate's 6th birthday at a play place this weekend. Theres no "siblings welcome" note on the invitation, so assume they arent included....totally fine. Because of timing and logistics, I need to bring DS2 (2.5 yo) and will pay for his entry fee and snacks separately. Do I let the host parent know or just show up and do our own thing?

Yes, I know this is a small issue and I don't care about the cost but am curious what the etiquette is.
Anonymous
Can you ask someone else to keep an eye on the 6 yr old so you don't have to stay? Dropping off is another option.
Anonymous
Ask the host if it’s drop off. If not say you need to bring your your younger sibling but will not intrude on the party.
Anonymous
I'd never invite your kid to anything again. If siblings aren't welcome, then they AREN'T WELCOME. You think your 2 yr old won't want to follow his big brother around? He will.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:DS1 is attending a classmate's 6th birthday at a play place this weekend. Theres no "siblings welcome" note on the invitation, so assume they arent included....totally fine. Because of timing and logistics, I need to bring DS2 (2.5 yo) and will pay for his entry fee and snacks separately. Do I let the host parent know or just show up and do our own thing?

Yes, I know this is a small issue and I don't care about the cost but am curious what the etiquette is.


The etiquette is DONT DO THIS.

- mom of 3 with DH who works weekends
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:DS1 is attending a classmate's 6th birthday at a play place this weekend. Theres no "siblings welcome" note on the invitation, so assume they arent included....totally fine. Because of timing and logistics, I need to bring DS2 (2.5 yo) and will pay for his entry fee and snacks separately. Do I let the host parent know or just show up and do our own thing?

Yes, I know this is a small issue and I don't care about the cost but am curious what the etiquette is.


Just curious but is there a reason you can't drop off your 6 year old and leave with your 2.5 year old? Go to a local playground? McDonalds?
Anonymous
Are you sure it’s not drop off? I’d do drop off and if you happen to know someone who is staying then ask them to keep an eye on him, but for 6, I’d assume drop off
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Ask the host if it’s drop off. If not say you need to bring your your younger sibling but will not intrude on the party.


This.
Anonymous
If the invitation specifically says no siblings, I would not bring the sibling. It is ok to bring sibling to pick up or drop off.

Where is the venue?

I would try to send with a friend.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Ask the host if it’s drop off. If not say you need to bring your your younger sibling but will not intrude on the party.


This.


+1.
Anonymous
OP here - Yes its drop off! Frankly, this is the first drop off party we have ever been to....host family says parents are welcome to drop off or stay. I am not totally comfortable with dropping off (yet) and we are still getting to know the families in the class but I am sure i can find someone to keep an eye on him.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I'd never invite your kid to anything again. If siblings aren't welcome, then they AREN'T WELCOME. You think your 2 yr old won't want to follow his big brother around? He will.


Overreact much?? The invite didn't say that they weren't welcome. And the party host doesn't own the place (unless they are closed to the public in which case). I would ask about drop-off as well vs. staying with the younger one but if not, I don't see an issue with what you are doing as long as the little one isn't interfering with the party. Just make sure to keep them apart.
Anonymous
I'm probably the outlier on this - I have an only child, but if someone didn't expect a sibling to eat food that I provided, be paid for by me at a venue, or get a loot bag, I would not feel the need for them to tell me anything about the sibling. They can pay for them, feed them, and entertain them themselves without notice to me.
Anonymous
What type of venue? Is it a private small venue or a giant public place?

I’m having a party for my kindergarten child. I invited the class and can’t accommodate siblings. I have 3 kids and have never brought a sibling to a party. I once brought my kid to a Chuck E. Cheese party and did not tell the host I brought him. I told him ahead of time not to expect a favor and cake even. The host did not know he was there. The sibling was older than the kindergarten birthday child.

If I were you, I would drop off. Just come back early. Your 2.5 yo will want food and cake and a favor.
Anonymous
Is you child the type to cling to you if you're there? If so it could be risky to bring your toddler. Some play places have a separate room for pizza and cake so if your child insists you come you'll have a hard time keeping your toddler separate.
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