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

[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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

+1

Me too. Three teens long past the birthday party stage, and have been more fun that others, sure, but I’ve never attended a “bad” party. That said, I never ever depended on the food at these parties (especially if bringing young kids). I’d make sure to feed the kids a heavy snack beforehand (and sometimes myself too). Just throwing that out there, since food seems to be a big source of handwringing for some people. Most of the time there would be plenty of food- and sometimes even really good food! But if there is some sort of food issue: no big deal. We can just eat after.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I didn’t even know that was a “thing”. I think I’ve tossed dripping wet items in the dryer before. Not a full load of stuff, but a few items sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I didn’t even know that was a “thing”. I think I’ve tossed dripping wet items in the dryer before. Not a full load of stuff, but a few items sure.

Same. But — I wouldn’t have used the hostess’s dryer without asking!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These are hilarious. Although I have to say I have been to and hosted multiple playground parties for kids age 4 through 8 and all have been perfectly fine playing on the equipment and eating snacks or pizza plus cake. Standard run time was 2 hours start to finish and sometimes the kids would stay later, but once the cake was served that was it and the party officially wrapped up.

Those are our favorite parties for that age range. My kids just want to run around and play, not be walked through a complicated craft or game.

+1

I enjoyed park parties the most at that age, and we threw a few at the park as well. Also went to a few backyard parties with minimal “entertainment” (just the family’s regular swing set and toys, maybe some extra things set out- balls, jump ropes, small water guns or whatever) and those were great too. Often less is more at those ages, IMHO. The host parties always seemed far less stressed as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Pool parties make me nervous. A 6 year old died at a swimming birthday party at the same expensive indoor pool/fitness club where my oldest took his first swimming lessons. There were a lot of people in and around the pool and the girl wasn't noticed and quickly succumbed. She was alive when removed from the pool but didn't survive.