If you are having a kids party at a restaurant

[AdventurerKat]

are you supposed to pay for the parents/guardians who accompany them to eat too or just the kids? If my son was invited to a party, I would not expect even that they would pay for his meal other than the cake or whatever but I am not sure what the norm is? We are having the party around lunch time so I was expecting to feed the kids but am not wondering what the parents might be expecting.

Can anyone give me thoughts on this?

 

[gina2000]

I've never expected to be fed by the host parent. The party is for children and I figure if I'm hungry....I'll go grab something. I have to say, though, that alot of parents have provided food and drink for the parents at these parties which is a very nice gesture.

 

[whirlsy]

depends on the age of the child. If they are toddlers and the parents have to come than I would say yes to paying for them but if they are older and the parents dont have to stay I would say no. If they cant cut the apron strings then they have to pay. Any party I went to I never ate even if the person offered.

 

[mrsv98]

I think it would depend on the age of hte child. If it were for a little one, 4 or 5, I think I would provide food since it is pretty much expected that a parent would stay. For older children, it is more up to the parent whether to stay or not and then I would not expect to feed them. Example, last year, my DD went to a 4yo old party at Chuckie Cheese The mom had pizza for everyone. If the cost is not prohibitive, I think it is nice. JMHO

 

[Talking Hands]

This would depend on the age of the child, the area you are in and the culture of the people involved. Many Latin families in my area will hire a room or hall and have a full buffet set up and the family is pretty much expected to stay for the party. Pretty much the norm around here. I used to clown for this type of party and never was allowed to leave without a plate of food and another of cake for my family. Often I was told to bring my girls to the party as well.

 

[AdventurerKat]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think we just figured it out. The party is at the local Rainforest and my son is four. We (meaning my husband and I) are going to get there a little early and order four or five of their pizzas and some appetizers. If anyone wants anything else, they are on their own.

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by AdventurerKat
Thanks for the responses everyone. I think we just figured it out. The party is at the local Rainforest and my son is four. We (meaning my husband and I) are going to get there a little early and order four or five of their pizzas and some appetizers. If anyone wants anything else, they are on their own.

We had my DD's birthday party at Rainforest Cafe last year after we were at Build A Bear, it was a blast!!! We got seated right next to the pond and gorilla at ours and the kids thought it was great. We did feed the adults, we ordered about 4 appetizers per adult table (six adults per table) they had enough to munch on for sure and then since dessert is included for the kids, we also ordered a volcano for each adult table. I also believe that if the children are young, which means the parents won't be leaving, you should feed them. I was also able to add the appetizer order to my party order, so everything was planned to come out at once. I also couldn't get there early, since we came directly from Build A Bear. Enjoy your party!!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

My DDs are still young, so the parents are definitely a part of the party! Here is what we did.

At McDonalds' parties, we worked it out to open a "tab" for the party. The helper assigned to the party took orders from adults as well as the Happy Meal order from the kids. We found in that scenario, most adults "ordered" drinks, but would go to the counter themselves if they wanted food.

At Chuck E. Cheese, we ordered a couple (2-3 depending on the # of parents) which came with 4 drink cups each, and a few extra drink cups. We normally end up with leftovers here!

So, probably just do what you are comfortable with!

 

[Jasminesmommy]

You can always write on the invite that only the kids food will be paid for so that there will be no confusion or hurt feelings with the adults. That will take care of it for you.

 

[aprilgail2]

Any party I ever had or went to with my daughter adult food was always provided. I would never have a party for her and not provide food for the adults too. I lucked out at her last party, only the moms came, the one prior to that a few familes came with both parents so that was more food!