6 Year Old Bday Party on a Sat. Night at 7p.m. at McDs. ????

normally you cant bring extra kids but this is mcdonalds and there will be other kids there anyway. J. call and mention that you will have her cousin in town and ask if you can bring her and cover the extra cost if there is one. Also I'd take them early and let them eat there since they'll want it and the toys if they come later anyway. If it was at any other place I'd J. say that you cant make it, but mcdonalds isnt charging by person that I know of to play in their playland

It's at McDonalds. You could bring an army and they wouldn't know it. The whole family, visitors and all, could go to McDonalds for dinner or an after dinner snack around 6:30. Then when the party started you could take DD in and let her enjoy the fun. If the mom/hostess sees the visitor she may just invite her in too. They do have to pay sometimes per child so I would not expect her to instantly be invited.

Calling the number and meeting this person is always a nice gesture too. I would plan on attending and go get the girl her own gift. Something DD can pick out.

I would let DD go to the party, especially since she likes the girl. She'll be playing with the cousin all day and then see her again when she comes back home, what's 1-1.5 hours apart?

I'd call and say you just got it and you have family coming in to town. I'm willing to bet they'd be more than glad to have the 5 year old cousin join. I've NEVER been told no when I've had to bring my other kids along to parties. Shoot, sometimes they make up half of the party because people don't come - and it's better than have 6 people there than 4 :).

I know you said you're not a fan of bringing the cousin, but I bet they would both have fun and it's something they'd remember for a long time.

It can't hurt to ask - and if they say no then I'd skip.

She's going to be with her cousin all day and night, I don't understand why she can't just go to the party on her own, why the need to bring the cousin, especially since the venue is so close?
I think you're over thinking it, let your daughter go, she'll have a great time and the cousin will be fine for an hour and a half or so until your daughter returns.

I would take my child to it for an hour or so with out the cousin. It could take away from the one on one that your daughter and this girl would have because Im sure the cousin will want to play with your daughter.

It will only be an hour away from your family and Im sure they would understand that she is going to a birthday party and isn't going to mind.

I would also let your daughter pick out her own gift for the girl... that's part of the fun of going to a birthday party for your friend.

maybe rsvp and say you can't make it you have guests from out of town but suggest a play date at a specific time and give her a birthday gift then if you really want to. For myself I would just rsvp sorry can't make it and if your little one is really set on giving a gift bring it to school next time and stick it in her cubby to take home the next time your at school.

If it was at someone's house or some other, more private venue, I could understand having qualms about taking the cousin, but this feels like the opportunity is open for everyone to go (the adults can enjoy a Mango-Pinapple Smoothie or a coffee) and the two girls can play with the rest of the children (getting a lot of energy out) and your daughter gets to help celebrate her friend's birthday.

However, at the age of six, it is not too young to start offering her options. "Sweetie, would you like to go to the party at McDonalds, or would you and your friend like to go to Build a Bear next weekend?" Or some other alternative. You know your kid best.

If the reason she can't go is because of the cousin, I'd call the parents and ask if the cousin could come, too, but understand if they say no. Don't just show up with more kids. Usually parties like that they pay by the head and they often have party room space or the guests in a different part of the restaurant. When was the RSVP date? Either way, do call and talk to the parents. They need to know if your DD can go or not. If she does go, then I'd let her stay longer than 20 minutes, as that's barely time to do anything. You could also offer a play date sometime during Spring Break.

J. I would just call and let the other mom know that your DD's 5 year old cousin will be in town visiting and would it be okay to bring her too? McD's is VERY public and there are going to be other kids in the playland that are not a part of the party.

My main reasoning for asking the mom if it is okay to bring the cousin would strictly be for the fact that the cousin will most likely want cake when everyone else is having it and just in case the mom has put together gift bags.

I am sure it will be fine and I wouldn't think that the other mom will be offended at all. Especially in this day and age when people rarely even ever RSVP at all - pet peeve of mine. LOL

awkward! I would go for the RSVP & ask if the cousin can attend. If it's a "no", then I would have your daughter drop off the gift & then leave.

Waiting to do a play day....doesn't always pan out. :)

Is it up to you or what your daughter wants? If the latter, I'd take the cousin to the party and make sure both names are on the gift, no matter if the bday doesn't know the cousin. When you RSVP, just tell the mom you just got the invite, the cousin will already be in town and you can't leave her at home so she's coming. Tell the mom there is no obligation to provide party treats for the cousin, and warn the girls beforehand the cousin may not get treats.