Agree with the PP that this is likely an issue of limited space at the bakery.

I’d drop off at a party like that, and I’m probably more “helicopter” than most parents here (my kid is almost 7 and I won’t drop off at bowling alleys, arcades, or trampoline parks that have multiple parties going on or open to the public while the party is going on).

Anonymous wrote:I sounds like there will be bakery staff as well so there’s probably enough supervision. Not like dropping off at a home and having it all up to the host parents.

+1 and a bakery certainly has limited space so they want to limit the number of people there. You will be in the way if you insist on staying.

I sounds like there will be bakery staff as well so there’s probably enough supervision. Not like dropping off at a home and having it all up to the host parents.

We did a drop off party for the first time when my kid just turned 4. It went well, though we found a coffee shop in the neighborhood and chilled there. Though I didn't leave for an optional drop off the party with parents that I had just a few times and didn't know well enough.

I would only stay if my child was nervous about being dropped off.

I have hosted these parties though, and it is VERY difficult to make small talk while simultaneously supervising a group of 4/5 year olds. There have been parents who have chosen to sit unobtrusively in a different part of the venue and read or work though, and it’s totally fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drop off, unless your child is poorly behaved or particularly anxious.

+1

you'll look really awkward too just being the lone parent. And the host probably doesn't want to make 2 hrs of small talk with you either.

OP here... oh I know! My daughter will likely have zero issue with me leaving! Just a little surprised to be doing drop off parties already!

Anonymous wrote:Drop off, unless your child is poorly behaved or particularly anxious.

+1

you'll look really awkward too just being the lone parent. And the host probably doesn't want to make 2 hrs of small talk with you either.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would stay. No way would I drop off a 4/5 year old with a parent I didn't know.

What exactly is the fear? At what age would you be comfortable dropping off?

The majority of parties we go to parents are invited. I didn't leave till 6/7 and only with people I knew and never large venues. At our parties, the majority of parents stayed and we picked closed venues. Its not that much more to feed parents and we've always had better turn out. I would never have left my child that age. Now I would but its a 10 year old with a phone.

Drop off, unless your child is poorly behaved or particularly anxious.

Anonymous wrote:I would stay. No way would I drop off a 4/5 year old with a parent I didn't know.

What exactly is the fear? At what age would you be comfortable dropping off?

I would stay. No way would I drop off a 4/5 year old with a parent I didn't know.

Drop her off - even if you are just having coffee next door. What do you think is going to happen if you aren’t there?

From my limited experience if given at option, first time parents don't really drop off at that age. Parents who have older kids drop their kids and run. Ha!

It’s fine. Enjoy your free time

For a 4/5 year old. It’s in a small bakery type place, only her group will be there, nothing accident prone (no gymnastics, bouncing, trampolines, etc). It’s for a school friend, so I don’t know the mom we’ll, but she seems normal by all of our interactions. Thoughts? I thought this was young but in terms of situations for it to happen at, probably the best we could ask for.