These are the same families who end up bringing the entire family to elementary parties. They bring multiple siblings and both parents to a party where only one child was invited.

I have a 4yo in preschool and it's definitely a mix in our group. I'd say it's 60-40 as to whether it's just one parent or two at a birthday. It seems the more kids a family has, the less likely both parents attend -- the exception being if they are good family friends.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think just one is typical.

Not in my world. Pretty much every party we go to is two parents.

+1 - the only time I've seen just one parent stay is if the other is traveling/deployed. Both parents stayed in all other cases.

Anonymous wrote:It's fine. Maybe not typical, but fine.

This. I have two middle elementary aged kids and in all they years we did yearly parties for them, there was a single one where both parents stayed.

Anonymous wrote:It's a mix, and either is fine. I did notice a definite decline in two parents attending parties as we moved up through the 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s....then the dropoff parties start and NO parents have to!

+1, for me, I always thought odd for parents of 1 kid to just show up. I mean I totally get together time, but usually the kid is off bouncing at a bounce house or something, so why submit 2 parents to 2hrs of that? I do fine just chatting up with the other moms, but just don't see the need for both parents to commit time when one parent can actually get some relaxation or work done as needed. (Speaking as a parent of 2)

Anonymous wrote:I think just one is typical.

Not in my world. Pretty much every party we go to is two parents.

I think this depends on your circle.

I went to a party for my oldest son a few weeks ago - it was definitely a one parent crowd (but we are really close to drop off age with him). As a side note, the same day, there was a party in the same place from the school where my youngest went for PK4 - it was all couples.

My husband and I both go - mainly to take turns watching our toddler, which I assume the host parents appreciate.

Only one of us goes unless it's a party at a playground or we're both good friends with the parents.

I think just one is typical.

Both of us go if we know the parents throwing the part. One of us goes if we don't.

I've seen and done both. Definitely only one parent comes if the toddler has an older sibling, but otherwise it seemed to be determined by what their pre- or post-party plans were and personal preference. Parties were a nice way to get to know the other parents at our daycare.

Both DH and I would go if the hosts were good friends, but otherwise would divide and conquer, especially when our second came along.

I've only been to one bday party so far (I have a 2 year old). I was the only there without a spouse -- everyone else brought their significant other. I was surprised.

unless one of us is out of town traveling - we normally both go to parties.