1st grade. I did a fair share of "meet up" playdates at that age still where the whole family would go to a park for example. And I think I probably stayed for large birthday parties although it was peak covid for us so I don't even remember many of those. I do remember one bowling party venue.

But for an at your house play date? Age 6. I don't need nor want to sit in your house. The play date is for kids.

For playdates ... we started in Kindergarten unless we (parents) were specifically friends and socializing. For birthday parties, especially large ones, I appreciate parents sticking around to help supervise their own kids if they are age 10 or under. But not required.

99% of the time, the parents want to hang out. I almost always stay, by invitation, and am happy to have them. If one of us wants to run an errand we will communicate that ahead of time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should have started a few years ago, IMHO.

But now is fine - just be clear and communicate. Text and ask "Is dropoff OK with you? I was hoping to run an errand"

Many birthdays still include parents and siblings.

DH dropped off DD recently and she was the only one dropped off. I attended a party this weekend with DD and told DH to come because many whole families were there.

I put birthdays in a different group than playdates. You've got more kids and you're often at a venue that might want more supervision. We've had birthday parties were parents stayed much more recently than playdates.

I so far have never dropped off for public places. Oldest is 13. I stay in the lobby at movie theaters or get concert tickets a couple of rows back

Um around 4? What weirdos.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should have started a few years ago, IMHO.

But now is fine - just be clear and communicate. Text and ask "Is dropoff OK with you? I was hoping to run an errand"

Many birthdays still include parents and siblings.

DH dropped off DD recently and she was the only one dropped off. I attended a party this weekend with DD and told DH to come because many whole families were there.

+ 1
In my immigrant culture, usually whole families are invited. The idea is to create a community and network for the family, multiple generations etc.

Of course, this fails when it comes to families outside of our culture because there is a lot of work, time, money, energy involved in reciprocity and hosting - which many cultures may not do in the same way as ours.

Another thing is that I do not want to provide childcare for other people's children. I would rather that the parents are also attending and they can make their children behave.

Totally depends. We drop off for some and stay for others. We stay if parents are friends. But we have also dropped off if I know the parents are busy and don't have socializing time. I host a ton of playdates and parties and it's drop off optional in and after 2nd grade.

Agree with first grade - after knowing the parents for a year.

first grade

Anonymous wrote:You should have started a few years ago, IMHO.

But now is fine - just be clear and communicate. Text and ask "Is dropoff OK with you? I was hoping to run an errand"

Many birthdays still include parents and siblings.

DH dropped off DD recently and she was the only one dropped off. I attended a party this weekend with DD and told DH to come because many whole families were there.

Other than a couple parents we go to socialize with because we're friends, first grade was the last time we stayed or had anyone stay.

Depends on the parents and location.

You should have started a few years ago, IMHO.

But now is fine - just be clear and communicate. Text and ask "Is dropoff OK with you? I was hoping to run an errand"

I have a third grade child and while there are a few drop off play dates, it is a lot of moms hanging with other moms with their kids.

I also seem to have a mismatch of the moms I like and am friends with and the moms of my child’s friends. I happen to like the boys moms better as adult friends. I met these women in kindergarten.