Dilemma with DD4 - WWYD?

[Pugrpooh]

DD4 brought home a birthday party invitation from preschool yesterday. It's going to be at Build-a-Bear, which she would love, and even though the party will be from 6:45-9:30 (I can't imagine having a birthday party for 4-5 year olds that late ) I would let her go, since it is on a Saturday night. She's always in bed by 8:30 at the latest and hates going to bed late, but I think she would be ok with this.

My hesitation comes because we leave the next morning for WDW. Our plane takes off at 7:25 so we would have to leave home around 6. Since I'm sure I would have to stay at the party with her, I'll have to be extra-organized so I won't have too much last minute packing.

Would you let your 4 year old go?

TIA,
Lynn

 

[DVCLiz]

I'd let my 4 year old go to the party with no problem, but I'd do two things. One, I'd absolutely tell the parent I was leaving town the next morning, and I'd leave my daughter at the party. I'm sure she has friends whose moms would be glad to keep an eye on her who will be staying at the party. And two, I'd pick her up early. 2 hours and 45 minutes is a really long time for any birthday party - and I'm sure some of that time is going to be the opening of the gifts. If you could ask the mom ahead of time what her schedule is going to be, it might work out that your daughter could do the party activities, have cake and ice cream, and give the birthday girl her present, then leave, missing only the opening of the other gifts.

Have a fun trip!!!!

 

[dizagain]

That's a tough one. I don't think I'd fool with the party - what a crazy time for a party for kids that age! I think you have enough on your plate and you want your DD to be fresh for your trip which will be so much more fun than Build-a-Bear in the long run. Have a great trip!

 

[FreshTressa]

It would depend on the kid.

My kids are flexible and would just sleep on the plane if they were tired.

My friends kids, however, are terrors if they get off schedule and don't get proper sleep.

Use your judgement on how your child would act in this situation.

 

[ducklite]

I'd let her go. She can sleep on the plane. But I would maybe see if you can find out what the timeline is and if the last 45-an hour is just "play" maybe explain to the hosting mom that you're leaving on vacation very early the next morning, so you hope she doesn't mind if your daughter needs to elave a bit early. I can't see any reasonable mom having a problem with that given the circumstances.

Anne

 

[Steamboat Marti]

I'm guessing that they will probably make their bears first then have some cake and open presents after (that's what they do in my area). If that is the case, let her go to the bear part - and then take her home. I would however, explain this to the mom when I RSVP'd and I'm sure she'd understand. There should be no reason why you can't have the best of both worlds. Let us know what happens - and have a great time at the world!

 

[diznygirl]

The cake and presents are probably after the building of the bear - I'm sure you would be able to skip out a little early. Maybe you should stay so you can get out at the first opportunity. And she will have a new friend to take to WDW!

Enjoy!

 

[Desnik]

I would never leave my 4yr old at the party unless a very close friend or family member was there to keep an eye on her. That's just my opinion. I would let my kid go and stay with her there. Then again I am a cumpulsive planner and my bags are packed a month before our WDW trips!!LOL
Couldn't you just make sure you have everything packed up before the party starts? Also, I don't know how many kids will be at the party, but 2 hours seems like a long time to be at build a bear. All they do there is pick a bear and stuff it, and maybe pick some clothing. DD had her party there once and it was over in about an hour and we had alot of kids. We then had pizza and cake at the mall food court. If this party is something like that then maybe you can let her do the build a bear portion and leave right after.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Do what you think you can handle and go from there. The upside of course is that you have to be packed ahead of time which is good motivation.

Plan not to leave early and be prepared in that way. I have gone to many things and said we are leaving early and we don't.

Have fun in WDW!!!

 

[chris1gill]

NOT bring your child to a Build-A-Bear party? No Way!! Wouldn't miss that one!

I agree, you'll be able to get out of there by 9 at the latest I'd bet.... just let the parent know in advance.... your daughter will be fine.... and she'll have her new bear to help her get out of bed in the morning

 

[Pugrpooh]

I would definitely have to stay with her -- I don't really know any of the parents. The plan is to do the bears and then go across the street to an ice cream store for cake and ice cream. I'm leaning towards doing the bear and then skipping out when it's time to go to the ice cream store.

When we went to WDW in August, she took a nice nap on the ME bus. But mostly she never takes naps. Even yesterday when she woke up at 1:30 am, then at 3:30 am (at which point I never went back to sleep) and then she was up for good at 5:15. She was going strong all day with school, and then coming home and running around with her kite outside. She just wouldn't quit! Then by the time I got her in bed I was no good for anything.

I will try to have everything packed, and all the Christmas presents bought and wrapped (except for what we buy at WDW), all my cookies baked! We'll see how much I get done.

Thanks,

Lynn

 

[aprilgail2]

I would let her go do the first part and then go home. I always pack early though so I would have been way done packing by then LOL..I actually try to keep my daughter up late the night before we travel so she will sleep on the plane or car trip! I have only recently started letting her go to parties in Dec since I know many other parents now and someone can take her for me. I work for a toy drive so I am busy the whole month of Dec and we usually just say no to any birthday party in Dec up till now.

 

[azgal81]

Yes I would let her go. If she is tired she will probably sleep on the plane.

 

[DVCLiz]

Oh, I was assuming these were all preschool friends and you would know the moms. But it looks like you could still easily do the bear part and then leave - or maybe you could even let her stay for ice cream and still get out a little early.

 

[Beth76]

I absolutely would let her go. In fact, my son attended a CECs party the night before we left for Mexico. I managed just fine. I would, however, probably plan on leaving a little early and letting the birthday girl's mom know your plans.