Yes or No? Bday pool party for 6 yo boy (this fall)

[Anonymous]

At a loss for what to do for my sons 6 birthday. It will be approximately 10-15 kids and a mix of boys/girls but mostly boys. My son was on the swim team this summer and really wants to do a party at a local indoor pool. Seems OK except that I don't want the parents to have to swim as well. Most of the kids are proficient enough swimmers but several are not. There is a more shallow pool for those kids. My husband and I will be in our suits and be prepared to supervise in the water if needed.

Looking for some feedback.... I can't help but think if I got invitation for pool party I'd be less than enthused.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a six year old yet and don't know if that's a drop-off age or not for parties. But I as a parent would like to stay at that party to supervise my own child. While he's been in lessons since age 3, he's still not a strong enough swimmer for me to let loose on his own.

Would there be lifeguards as well? I'd want lifeguards too.

[Anonymous]

I did it last year. Hire 2 - 3 lifeguards. Not drop off.

[Anonymous]

I did one last Spring. The pool had very specific rules about how many adults had to swim per kid. I think it was 1 adult per every 4 kids. I kept the party very small, but it was hard watching all of the kids. As for drop off, I wouldn't do it myself for a 6 year old birthday party, but lots of parents will unless you specifically say otherwise. Also, sometimes parents send their kid with other parents. As far as the kids were concerned, it was a great party.

[Anonymous]

People don't drop off for first-grade birthday parties? Is this just because it's a pool party, or do some folks just not drop off in general at that age? I'm loving that our set of friends and classmates has started encouraging drop-offs at the 4th b-day party -- can't imagine another two years of chaperonage.

[Anonymous]

PP - I think they're saying no drop-off because it's a pool party and you'll have a mixed bag in terms of swimming ability. My 5 yo has been going to drop off parties since he was 4 as long as the party has been at a home. Sometimes when it's at a venue, it's just easier to stay depending on the location.

OP - I wouldn't hesitate to take my son to a pool party in the fall because I know that he'd love it. Isn't that why we do these things, anyway?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don't drop off for first-grade birthday parties? Is this just because it's a pool party, or do some folks just not drop off in general at that age? I'm loving that our set of friends and classmates has started encouraging drop-offs at the 4th b-day party -- can't imagine another two years of chaperonage.

I'd drop off for a regular birthday party but never for a pool party. I just wanted OP to expect tons of parents to attend if this is the type of party she chooses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don't drop off for first-grade birthday parties? Is this just because it's a pool party, or do some folks just not drop off in general at that age? I'm loving that our set of friends and classmates has started encouraging drop-offs at the 4th b-day party -- can't imagine another two years of chaperonage.

lots of people drop off 6 year olds

[Anonymous]

I would not do a pool party at this age, unless you are doing for 4-5 kids and inviting their parents.

Incidentally at 13, I would not do a pool party with 15 people - you can't adequately supervise them- and you cannot rely on lifeguards.

[Anonymous]

If we got your invite we's probably decline. Just too dangerous for a bday party.

[Anonymous]

Do the pool party if it is what your son wants, but invite the parents. No dropoff - just too dangerous.

[Anonymous]

If I were you, I would hire a lifeguard for the party. Not an overwhelming number of kids if it stays at 10-15, and WOW do you not ever want to be close to responsible for anyone else's kid at a pool when you're hosting a party. AND if the kids are misbehaving in the pool and not listening to the lifeguard you need to be willing to pull them out and end the party.
And I would agree with others-- invite the parents and have your own lemonade and hors d'oeuvres. No alcohol.
Safety has got be the number one priority.

[Anonymous]

My daughter just turned 6. Most of the parties we've attended for 5 and 6 year old birthdays have been drop off parties. That said, we planned a pool party for her and I specifically requested one parent per child attend. Most of the 5 and 6 year olds we know are still learning how to swim and some are further along than others. I did not want to be responsible for watching 10 children in the pool!!

I think if you think a pool party would be fun (and I have to say I think the kids would enjoy it) then I would ask one parent per child to stay. Even if they all can't/don't you'll have enough adults around keeping an eye out that it will be more comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do a pool party at this age, unless you are doing for 4-5 kids and inviting their parents.

Incidentally at 13, I would not do a pool party with 15 people - you can't adequately supervise them- and you cannot rely on lifeguards.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

My son is 8 and a pretty good swimmer. He has attended many pool parties over the last couple of years but even now, I would not just drop him off. I would stay and watch him. I do notice however that many parents drop their kids off at pool parties-even the ones he attended when he was 6.