What’s the WORST birthday party experience you ever had?

[Anonymous]

Drop off party for a preschooler where a professional clown was to perform in of course, full makeup and costume. Whole circus theme with t ballon animals and a show.

Arrived and the little guest of honor was having a full on phobic meltdown and was absolutely terrified of the clown, already there and “on” and trying earnestly to distract and deflect.

The mom was apparently shocked that her DD did not like clowns and resorted to carrying around her crying child and greeting g other kids as they arrived. Someone’s grandma wrangled the kids and told the mom to take a break to calm her DD. Still kids were scared and a few wanted to go home. All the parents needed up staying including me. We left as soon as we could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Drop off party for a preschooler where a professional clown was to perform in of course, full makeup and costume. Whole circus theme with t ballon animals and a show.

Arrived and the little guest of honor was having a full on phobic meltdown and was absolutely terrified of the clown, already there and “on” and trying earnestly to distract and deflect.

The mom was apparently shocked that her DD did not like clowns and resorted to carrying around her crying child and greeting g other kids as they arrived. Someone’s grandma wrangled the kids and told the mom to take a break to calm her DD. Still kids were scared and a few wanted to go home. All the parents needed up staying including me. We left as soon as we could.

Wow, I’ve seen lots of different magicians and performers in the Dc area but it’s been ages since I’ve seen a full makeup clown

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter had a pool party at a pool with life guards and we invited a family with twins. Mom dropped the girls off and didn't tell me they couldn't swim. We were able to get them life jackets and I stayed in the pool to make sure they were safe but it was very nerve wracking.

FWIW, I can't swim and have never worn a life jacket in a pool and always been fine splashing around in the shallow end. No need for a lifeguard, parent and a life jacket! You kind of went overboard there.

The difference is you are a tall adult and these are kids. When we had a pool party there at a different location we paid for a second lifeguard and several parents stayed inside as did my spouse to monitor things. You can never be to careful. Some of the kids were not swimmers. Its actually a nice party idea as you can bring your own food so we had tons of food for the parents and kids so parents stayed and monitored things as well. Only a few dropped off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would hate fully outside with the heat and bugs and I’d be concerned about food sitting out in the heat. Have activities.

Same

[Anonymous]

Worst was as a child 40+ years ago a kid ran through the glass back door. I don't remember much except leaving.

We had all the parties for ours at various pay places and typically its been smooth and easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think I’ve ever attended a bad birthday party, as a kid or as an adult. There’s always something to be happy about, something to enjoy. And I don’t come from a rich family, nor have we been to lavish parties now as a parent.

All this to say—op, try not to worry about what could go wrong. Imperfect can be perfect—it’s how people feel.

Came here to say the same thing.

[Anonymous]

It was actually a good party but they had the great zucchini perform for a group of three and four year olds and my kid laughed so hard he threw up in the hosts living room.

[Anonymous]

Honestly there shouldn’t be any pool parties for kids under like 8-9 years old. So many parents just drop off their kids who can’t swim. it’s truly unbelievable. But it’s also irresponsible to host a pool part for very young kids IMO. Just isn’t worth it.

[Anonymous]

Worst experience was the year we had a big slip n slide set up for the kids. I was busy hosting when a fully clothed kid apparently got wet and their mom took it upon herself to walk upstairs and throw her child’s soaked clothes through our dryer, burning out a part. Never apologized or even let me know. I later found out from another person who heard what happened (the soaked clothes and using our dryer) and assumed I knew.

My advice is to physically block rude or nosy people from rooms or areas in your house you don’t want them accessing.

[Anonymous]

All the preschool parties where the parents have to stay and make awkward small talk in the living room, there’s nothing to eat or drink for adults because “the party is from 2-4 and the cupcakes are just for the kids, I figured all the adults would eat beforehand!” The host’s house is completely open/nothing blocked off and no planned entertainment like a party princess or even games other than eventually singing happy birthday, so you’re either following your kid around awkwardly the whole time or hoping they’re not getting into trouble, and they have multiple dogs, one of which isn’t good with strange kids and of course isn’t crated. Bonus points if the hosts and most of the guests speak another language. Although usually those parties have awesome food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Worst experience was the year we had a big slip n slide set up for the kids. I was busy hosting when a fully clothed kid apparently got wet and their mom took it upon herself to walk upstairs and throw her child’s soaked clothes through our dryer, burning out a part. Never apologized or even let me know. I later found out from another person who heard what happened (the soaked clothes and using our dryer) and assumed I knew.

My advice is to physically block rude or nosy people from rooms or areas in your house you don’t want them accessing.

What is wrong with your dryer that using it to dry clothes broke it? The mom should have asked you, but using a dryer for its intended purpose isn't crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Worst experience was the year we had a big slip n slide set up for the kids. I was busy hosting when a fully clothed kid apparently got wet and their mom took it upon herself to walk upstairs and throw her child’s soaked clothes through our dryer, burning out a part. Never apologized or even let me know. I later found out from another person who heard what happened (the soaked clothes and using our dryer) and assumed I knew.

My advice is to physically block rude or nosy people from rooms or areas in your house you don’t want them accessing.

What is wrong with your dryer that using it to dry clothes broke it? The mom should have asked you, but using a dryer for its intended purpose isn't crazy.

She threw them in there dripping wet, and it shorted out some element in the dryer.

[Anonymous]

This is kind of off topic but wanted to share anyway because it was so unexpected and kind of ruined the birthday kid's event.

A few years ago, we attended a party at an entertainment restaurant that has games, activities and prizes. At the end of the party, one of the birthday kid's parents didn't have enough money to cover the outstanding balance due to the venue. They argued with the venue, the kid's grandparent and with each other. It was really bad and awkward for really all the attendees. Every aspect of the situation made me sad, and I offered to help pay because one of the parent's was crying and asking me what they should do. In the end, the grandparent was able activate a credit card they had in their purse and paid the balance.

[Anonymous]

My dad's 4th birthday party. Was planned to be in the backyard. Lots of games and moonbounce for the whole preschool class + siblings and parents. Freak spring thunderstorm. Everyone moved inside and chaotic fun was had by all. Seemed like it went great despite the rain. Then 3 days later birthday girl comes down with strep. 23 confirmed cases of strep from our indoor party. The pediatrician actually had the front desk fast tracking anyone from Larla's party. As far as I know not a single parent was mad or blamed us. We all laughed about it for years. The preschool teachers had an easy week since most of the class missed most of the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad's 4th birthday party. Was planned to be in the backyard. Lots of games and moonbounce for the whole preschool class + siblings and parents. Freak spring thunderstorm. Everyone moved inside and chaotic fun was had by all. Seemed like it went great despite the rain. Then 3 days later birthday girl comes down with strep. 23 confirmed cases of strep from our indoor party. The pediatrician actually had the front desk fast tracking anyone from Larla's party. As far as I know not a single parent was mad or blamed us. We all laughed about it for years. The preschool teachers had an easy week since most of the class missed most of the week.

That should be "dd's" not dad.