Hubby works weekends and doens't get home until 715pm. We want to have my kids party at my parents house this year and I prefer it be on a weekend so everyone else isn't rushing around to get to the party/get home and get their kids in bed. We will have it over the summer so getting the kids up for school won't be as much of an issue but some do have to take their kids to daycare on weekdays. Hubby won't have any extra vacation because he's saving it for Disney. He doesn't want to take a sick day (on a weekend) so we can have it earlier. So what do I do?
1. Option 1: Have it from 5-7 on a week day and some people just won't be there because they aren't home by that time so they won't be able to get home and drive out to where the party will be.
2. Option 2: Have it from 6-8pm on a Saturday night so hubby can be there for 1/2 of it.
3. Option 3: have it from 6-8 on a week night but some people may still not be there.
4. Option 4: Have a party with his siblings/parents at our house during the week when he can be there and have my family/kid party on a weekend and not worry about the time cuz he'll be at work.
Hubby says to plan it and just don't worry about him being there but I am not okay with that!!!
Thanks mamas for your input!! Talked with hubby and he likes the idea of having one party during the week with his parents/sisters and their boyfriends (his brother does not live close). That will account for 1/2 of the people I had originally intended to invite to the weekend party (16 people). Then on the weekend we'll invite their friends and have my kids 3rd and 5th birthday party at my parents house (their pool). Thanks again!
Have it on the weekend earlier in the day and let the kids have fun. 8pm is too late for me to do any kind of party. Kids need time to wind down in the evening before bed.
I thin hubby does not need to be there. It's for the kids, not him.
Can he take a half day or ask his boss to work through lunch and come hom earlier? Switch days with anyone?
I vote for Option 2.
I am not clear: is it for kids your child is friends with, or is it a family birthday party?
If it is a family birthday party, then you need to schedule so that the child's dad can be there. If it is a "kids" party (friends from school or whatever on the guest list) then it doesn't matter if Dad can be there or not, unless you just want him there to be a help with the host duties.
What about a Sunday afternoon, say from 2-4?
After your SWH: I would say do it with his friends, if he has more than about 2 or 3 of them. Family parties are fine, and combining them is fine-- for a while. At some point, you will either end up with 2 parties, or you will have to choose, most likely. Looks like you are having to face that dilemma sooner rather than later. As they get older, many kids prefer to have friends rather than family. We usually let our kids make that decision these days, but they are older than your guy right now.
The birthday party is for your child. If your husband is not willing to miss work for his child's birthday party, then too bad for him. You should have it when your child's friends are able to make it to the party.
Option #2
Weeknights are harder for everyone like you said work schedules.
I saw an option below from Sunday 2-4? That would be a good one. Normally no work issue and it's after church so it doesn't interfer there.
option 4 - we always have a separate kid and family party.
Option 2 or Option 4
You didn't say the age of the child. If he's older than 4 or 5 he'll probably want daddy there more so. He won't take the answer so easily that daddy has to work. Maybe a thought to consider
I would go w/ option 2 so dad and others can be there.
I'd say option 4. I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you would bother with option 2 because you won't get too many kids attending since morning comes early for school and folks who work 1st shift.
Have a good time!
Dawn
I would do Option 4, but that's what we do anyway. We used to do the family and friends party, but I really found that that wasn't fair for anyone. The kids had both friends and cousins competing for their attention, there were so many people and we were so busy that it was difficult to visit with anyone, it kind of seemed like the other moms were left out in the cold unless they already knew each other.
This past year for my oldest's 5th birthday we did two parties. They both ended up being very laid back, and my kids had more fun. We had to have two cakes, but really, the kids won't complain about that. Also, I try not to make them any bigger than they need to be. I'm not interested in left-overs!
It might have been slightly more expensive to have two parties, but it was definitely the best thing for us to do!
I would say either Option 2 or 4. Two would be ideal that way you don't have to plan two times. Or see if he can get off maybe an hour or two early from work that day if you want him there for the entire thing.
Good luck and God Bless!
I'd pick option 2. Maybe your husband can leave work just a little earlier that day. But option 3 isn't bad either. A LOT of people will be busy summer evenings and weekends, so you're never going to please everyone. Do what makes the most sense for your immediate family and who your child most wants at the party. As many of the other guests who can come, will come. Personally, I would not do option 4 because I think 2 parties is too much.
Vote for Option 3.
why not have him there for the whole party.
Can he leave work a few hours early & just make up the time during the rest of the week? I'd think his employer would be a little bit flexible seeing as it's a kid's birthday.
I have to disagree with Nikki G - immediate family trumps everyone else, IMO. Not everyone has a job where they can take a day off easily.
I vote for either 1 or 3. Parties on a "school night" during the summer aren't a big deal at all and may end up costing you less!
We went to an evening mid-week party last summer with the kids and it was a lot of fun. Most of us stayed pretty late in fact because it stays light for so long!
