Anonymous wrote:I'd think that the mom didn't invite herself to the party, she is asking for accommodations for her own child (i.e. the presence of a trusted adult) who is already a party invitee.
This. It’s not about you. It’s not about her. Would you rather be comforting a child you don’t know who in the middle of the party starts crying that he’s not having fun and wants to go home? Because the venue animators will just bring him to you as the host. So, You won’t be doing much “catching up” then either and would be on top of that angry at his mother that she knows her child and should have stayed.
Keep in mind, that she wants to be at your party as much as you want her to be there too. She’d probably either sit in the car, or sit at the venue and read book / zone out with her phone. She’s doing that so her kid enjoys the party, and will not be a burden on you should he become anxious.