WWYD (birthday party related)

[puffkin]

I think 6 adults for 10 kids is plenty of supervision personally (1 or 2 adults, not so much). I assume there will also be lifeguards at the water park? I do not think you should be obligated to pay for any additional parents to stay. If they are uncomfortable with the supervision provided or concerned about their childs swimming ability then they should have to pay to attend or pass on the party. Seriously, where/when do you draw the line?

I would not mention anything in the invite about additional parents staying or the cost or anything like that. If you are approached about it I would just say, "If you would like to join us, the cost is $11.95 for each extra ticket" and leave it at that. That way they will know that they are EXTRA and not just assume they were part of the original package. IT wouldn't hurt to find out if there is a charge for non-swimming adults to come as well. That would be helpful information.

 

[clj1410]

It is $11.95 if the parent participates or not

 

[mjkacmom]

I think 6 adults for 10 kids is plenty of supervision personally (1 or 2 adults, not so much). I assume there will also be lifeguards at the water park? I do not think you should be obligated to pay for any additional parents to stay. If they are uncomfortable with the supervision provided or concerned about their childs swimming ability then they should have to pay to attend or pass on the party. Seriously, where/when do you draw the line?.

Having just returned from a waterpark with 7 other families with children, it's hard enough watching just your own! It really isn't fair to assume those other parents will be watching out for your kids, because they are all over the place. Even with so many of us watching, we'd lose a kid every 15 minutes or so (and those moms who are there will probably pay to bring siblings, so more kids for them to watch).

I drop my kids off at home parties starting in kindergarten (or preschool if I know the parents well). I wouldn't be comfortable leaving a young child at a waterpark (or skating rink, or Chuck E Cheese - but I wouldn't have to pay for myself).

 

[puffkin]

Having just returned from a waterpark with 7 other families with children, it's hard enough watching just your own! It really isn't fair to assume those other parents will be watching out for your kids, because they are all over the place. Even with so many of us watching, we'd lose a kid every 15 minutes or so (and those moms who are there will probably pay to bring siblings, so more kids for them to watch).

I drop my kids off at home parties starting in kindergarten (or preschool if I know the parents well). I wouldn't be comfortable leaving a young child at a waterpark (or skating rink, or Chuck E Cheese - but I wouldn't have to pay for myself).

I understand what you are saying completely I think what everyone tends to forget is that attendance at this birthday party is not MANDATORY. I just don't think the host is required to pay for additional adults. It is the parents decision whether to attend or not and to cover their cost should they choose to stay.

It honestly does blow my mind that people other than the person invited on the invitation would expect the hostess to pay for them. It is exactly that, an invitation, not a summons. They are always free to decline for ANY reason. I just don't see where you draw the line....in this instance or any birthday party situation.

 

[KirstenB]

I understand what you are saying completely I think what everyone tends to forget is that attendance at this birthday party is not MANDATORY. I just don't think the host is required to pay for additional adults. It is the parents decision whether to attend or not and to cover their cost should they choose to stay.

It honestly does blow my mind that people other than the person invited on the invitation would expect the hostess to pay for them. It is exactly that, an invitation, not a summons. They are always free to decline for ANY reason. I just don't see where you draw the line....in this instance or any birthday party situation.

I disagree. I think at a waterpark, adequate # of chaperones is part and parcel of the birthday party. It's all well and good to say the party isn't mandatory, but what kid is going to give up an invitation to a waterpark?

Each summer I take our 11 yr old and 4 yr old to Water Country USA. I didn't start taking both until 2 yrs ago, when the then 9 yr old was old enough to run across the park to the bathroom by herself, etc.

These kids are young. I guarantee you the adults will be running them to the bathroom, to get water, to get sunblock (if outdoors). The kids will want to go on different rides. Some will be thrilled by the fast tubes, some will be terrified. Some will be good swimmers, others, not so much.

Have you ever been a parent on a field trip? Some parents make fantastic chaperones. They will watch any kids in their care like hawks. Others won't even watch their own kids. They'll talk to each other, and get distracted.

OP, I do think you need to offer to pay for one parent per kid.

 

[descovy]

I understand what you are saying completely I think what everyone tends to forget is that attendance at this birthday party is not MANDATORY. I just don't think the host is required to pay for additional adults. It is the parents decision whether to attend or not and to cover their cost should they choose to stay.

It honestly does blow my mind that people other than the person invited on the invitation would expect the hostess to pay for them. It is exactly that, an invitation, not a summons. They are always free to decline for ANY reason. I just don't see where you draw the line....in this instance or any birthday party situation.

In normal circumstances I agree with you. For example, go to Chuck E Cheese, I don't expect anyone to buy me food just because I stay.

In the example of a water park... with 7 year olds, no less, it is actually in the OP's best interest, to have the parents come. Unattended (droped off) children need to be supervised by someone in the group (not just the lifeguard) Does the OP want to take responsibility for the other 6 children she is inviting? Or do her other "free ticket" adults want to take the responsibilty? If so, great! No need for additional adults. But if they're all just looking out for their own children, the kids who come without parents are at risk.

For example, I would let 6 "chaperones" take 12 kids on a scout/school trip to the waterpark. A 1:2 ratio is pretty good. Each chaperone "in charge" of 2 kids is managable. But it is not a good idea for the host to be responsible for 6 unattended kids, because she doesn't want to cover parent admission.

Me, as a guest, I will decline any invite that costs us money to attend.

And that's fine. I think the outcomes the OP can expect are...

Pay for each to bring an adult to watch, OP enjoys the party, playing with her child, all are taken care of and have a good time

or OP asks the other families to pay. In which case some decline (may or may not be okay with that)

others will drop off their little kids and OP is responsible for up to 6 others in her care, make sure they don't get lost, drown...

 

[TupperMom7]

When they call to RSVP, ask them if they plan on staying and then buy them a ticket. If they just plan on dropping them off, or are sending them along with one of the other parents then don't waste the money on a ticket for them. Do you have to buy the tickets in advance? Beware of older/younger siblings trying to tag along though - I wouldn't buy them a ticket. Have to draw the line somewhere!

 

[bettymae1121]

I'd pay for the parents. Any other situation I might say otherwise, but for a water park, where safety is an issue, I'd spring for them. Plus it's not fair that some parents get in free with the package and other parents have to pay, IMO.

 

[C.Ann]

I guess I'm a little confused.. If I were planning a party such as this - with a $350 price tag attached to it - I would have budgeted not only for the kids who were invitied, but also at least one parent per invited child as well.. I'm surprised you hadn't thought about this long before now..

I don't think there are a lot of parents who would leave their 7 yr. old with strangers where there is a pool involved..

I say pay for the parents..

 

[pandora174]

Not a water park but last year DS 6 went to a classmate's 7th b-day party a local dande bear. Bounce balls, lots of kids, video games, rides etc. Well she said drop off or parents can stay. The only cost to her was extra food for the adults but she appreciated those parents that stayed ! Out of 7 kids 3 where dropped off. With 4 sets of parents watching. One set supervising the ones that wanted to play in the ball pit, another set for those playing video games & a 3rd set watchig those on the rides. It was very hectic watching those little ones hyped up on cake & all the rides ! So a waterpark can be simililary hectic. The b-day mom still had 1 little girl who got her earring ripped in the bounce pit & couldn't reach the mom on her cell. Another little boy who wanted to go home because he wasn't feeling well & the b-day girl's called this mom & was told she was shopping & she'll be in to pick him up in about 2 hours Not to mention the 1 little girl that ended up going HOME with the b-day girl b/c her mom misread the invitation & thought pick up was at the b-day girl's home ?!? Trust me take the extra supervision. I think the poster's that said 1 adult per child will save you a few headaches.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I have a 6 yo who is an excellent swimmer and I still wouldn't take her to a waterpark party and just drop her off.

With this type of party for kids so young, I think you need to allow for 1 parent to attend. It shouldn't cost the parent money for their child to attend your childs party.

I am very relaxed and have dropped my daughter off at Build a bear, chuck e cheese, and movie theatre parties. Never a swim party and she's been to about 5 of them already just since last summer.

 

[disykat]

Would it cover the adults if you paid for one adult for each "family" of kids?

I know I would have been fine supervising both my kids if they were 7 and 9, but I would not have been comfortable not being there.

 

[clj1410]

Thanks everyone for your honest thoughts and comments. Things were brought up that I didn't even think of!

I have decided that I will pay for the additional parents if they want to stay. I do not feel that I should be obligated to pay for them, but in this case I think it would be in my best interest to have the parents stay and watch their kids!

I just hope the whole family doesn't show up!

 

[dislal]

OP I would plan on paying for the other parents. If it were a bowling or skating party, I might not, but swiming definately.

At a pool (just regular pool) close to my house a few years ago they had a swimming party and one of the 7 year olds at the party drowned, and there were even lifeguards there.

You will be so busy with all of the kids and TRYING to keep track of everyone I wouldn't want that responsibilty!!

 

[Bren's Mom]

I would put wording on the bottom of the invite:

For safety reasons, we would welcome for one parent to stay and will be happy to pay for your admission. If additional family members wish to swim as well, the cost is $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children.

That way they know that they can stay if they're concerned, and that you've accounted for this. And those 'I bring all 6 of my kids everywhere' moms will know they have to pay for the 5 that weren't invited.

 

[bettymae1121]

Thanks everyone for your honest thoughts and comments. Things were brought up that I didn't even think of!

I have decided that I will pay for the additional parents if they want to stay. I do not feel that I should be obligated to pay for them, but in this case I think it would be in my best interest to have the parents stay and watch their kids!

I just hope the whole family doesn't show up!

Just be sure you let them know you'll pay for one parent per child, if the other parent and/or additional non-invited siblings want to go, they have to pay for that themselves. That will keep your costs down.