I wouldn't drop of because my kid couldn't handle that at 4 years old. He was fine at school, but would have panicked in a new environment. Now at 6, I'd consider it in a closed environment if I knew the family.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone actually answer WHY they would not drop off though?

Because they are too young.

I have 2 kids in elementary. Not one party in preschool was drop off.

Can anyone actually answer WHY they would not drop off though?

We didn’t do any drop off parties in preschool. Even in kindergarten, most parents stuck around.

I would not drop off a 4yo at a party.

That's too young for drop off.

Hopefully there is staff there. If there is no staff or helpers then a parent should stay or specifically ask another parent to watch out for their kid. A recent 5 yo party I went to I ended up taking care of someone else's kid. Making sure she got cake, taking her to the bathroom. The parents just left her there to fend for herself.

If you stay, try to pitch in when opportunities arise. Like pouring juice, cutting and passing cake, helping a child who spills on their shirt, or whatever.

If the venue staff have it covered, then no need. But often these venues understaff and the birthday kid's parents have to work too. If you see the birthday kid's parents helping random kids or passing stuff out, and they look like they could use a hand, offer one.