Would you pick your kid’s friend’s party or hang with your own friends?

[Anonymous]

For the past decade, I have pretty much socialized with my kids. We moved to DC with 2 young kids. I was working and if we got invited to a birthday party, I would make it a priority since we didn’t know anyone. Now we have 3 kids and have made some of my own friends over the years. We now have 3 kids and it seems almost impossible to find a time where everyone is available. We need to coordinate not only our schedules but our kids and husband’s schedules to be free.

A bunch of friends want to go to afternoon tea. My 3rd grader got invited to a birthday party. We also have a napping toddler. DH said of course I should take my kid to his birthday party. It is at a party place out in Sterling.

Do you pick the kid party in this type of situation?

If you have 2+ kids, how often do you hang out with your adult friends?

I probably go out to dinner once per month with various girlfriends. I went to see a movie last week and that is the first since my toddler was born.

[Anonymous]

We hire a babysitter to watch the napping toddler, one parent goes to the tea, and the other parent takes the 3rd grader to the party. This is what babysitters are for!

[Anonymous]

Look - you might get stuck with the party this time, or you can try to schedule the tea for later or another day.

You can still make friends a priority - if you can't do that one, find another time for dinner etc.

I do really prioritize my friends - but sometimes kids come first.

[Anonymous]

I’m confused. Just send the kid with a friend? I see my friends all the time. My husband and I both prioritize that as well as family time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look - you might get stuck with the party this time, or you can try to schedule the tea for later or another day.

You can still make friends a priority - if you can't do that one, find another time for dinner etc.

I do really prioritize my friends - but sometimes kids come first.

I think it is just getting harder and harder to coordinate.

I couldn’t make it the last few times because I was on vacation, I had to go to my husband’s work holiday party, I was visiting my family out of town and most recently, our entire family was sick.

Then when I’m available, husbands are traveling for work, daughters have a dance competition out of town, family going skiing, etc.

It shouldn’t be so hard for 4-5 women to get together.

[Anonymous]

Can you find a ride or carpool for the 3rd grader so she gets to her party? You wouldn't stay for this party, right?

[Anonymous]

Invite your friends over to have tea and dessert at your house while the toddler is napping and DH takes the 3rd grader to the party.

Drop off the 3rd grader and friend at party and then go to tea. Have friend's parent drive both kids home. (Or vice versa)

There are options here that don't require choosing your friends vs kid party.

[Anonymous]

I agree that carpooling sounds like a good solution in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Ask to carpool to the party. Have another family drop off so you can go to your tea for a bit then pick up. Or maybe a family can go both ways this time, and you can drive their kid to/from another party or event.

[Anonymous]

Carpool or babysitter. Otherwise, for me it would depend on whether my child goes to a lot of parties or not. If not, then his party would take priority. If so, then I might put myself first for once.

[Anonymous]

Yup, carpool or babysitter for the toddler. Especially for a third grader and drop off parties!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the past decade, I have pretty much socialized with my kids. We moved to DC with 2 young kids. I was working and if we got invited to a birthday party, I would make it a priority since we didn’t know anyone. Now we have 3 kids and have made some of my own friends over the years. We now have 3 kids and it seems almost impossible to find a time where everyone is available. We need to coordinate not only our schedules but our kids and husband’s schedules to be free.

A bunch of friends want to go to afternoon tea. My 3rd grader got invited to a birthday party. We also have a napping toddler. DH said of course I should take my kid to his birthday party. It is at a party place out in Sterling.

Do you pick the kid party in this type of situation?

If you have 2+ kids, how often do you hang out with your adult friends?

I probably go out to dinner once per month with various girlfriends. I went to see a movie last week and that is the first since my toddler was born.

Check the invite list and arrange to take their kid to the party with yours. You go out with friends, they pick up both kids and drop 3rd trader at home with dad.

[Anonymous]

I would go to my own thing over a kiddie party. I would find a way for my kid to go though.