Chaos and Mayhem aka Toddler Bday Gone Wild!
On Saturday Mekhi and I attended the birthday party of his classmate. The invite seemed promising, a late afternoon party at Gymboree scheduled to last an hour and a half. Perfect. My child could run himself ragged, play on great equipment and be exhausted just in time for bed. Unfortunately perfection was fleeting.
Upon arrival we saw other children from Mekhi's class and family friends of the birthday boy. The first indication of something amiss was no birthday boy. He pulled an unpredictable toddler move and was napping at the start of the party. This was only problematic because the hosts were not in the play area to monitor the goings on. But since we were at Gymboree fun was in order with or without birthday boy. As you can see in the video Mekhi was having a fabulous time.
And like a good mommy I followed the rules (that were clearly written on the invite), I stayed within arms reach of my son and of course removed my shoes in the play area.
Unfortunately, I ended up being in the minority, very few parents followed the rules. If I have to venture to guess, there were approximately 30 children there. Many were older than the maximum age of 5 and yet - they were playing on the equipment and having a good ole time. Just a quick reminder, my son is 20 months old. 6 years olds (and older) running, jumping and shoving kids out of the way is a problem. Especially since the parents were either nowhere to be found or worse, encouraging the play. I would have videotaped the mayhem but I was too busy trying to ensure that my child was not bowled over in all of the excited horseplay.
Another mom and I stood hovering over our children, tsk, tsking the irresponsibility of the parents at the party. Fortunately no children were injured but there were several times when I was 2 seconds away from snatching up someone else's child and asking them to behave. And based on the attitude of the parents in attendance I probably would have been cussed out for my forward behavior.
Needless to say, the party was great in theory but in reality ended up being a lot more stressful than I anticipated. I have written a note to self for the future " request average age and number of children in attendance before accepting a birthday invitation." Harsh yes, but necessary for the well-being of my son and my mental health. Toddlers and school age children with inattentive parents do not mix.
For more Wordful Wednesday visit Angie's 7 Clown Circus.
Upon arrival we saw other children from Mekhi's class and family friends of the birthday boy. The first indication of something amiss was no birthday boy. He pulled an unpredictable toddler move and was napping at the start of the party. This was only problematic because the hosts were not in the play area to monitor the goings on. But since we were at Gymboree fun was in order with or without birthday boy. As you can see in the video Mekhi was having a fabulous time.
And like a good mommy I followed the rules (that were clearly written on the invite), I stayed within arms reach of my son and of course removed my shoes in the play area.
Unfortunately, I ended up being in the minority, very few parents followed the rules. If I have to venture to guess, there were approximately 30 children there. Many were older than the maximum age of 5 and yet - they were playing on the equipment and having a good ole time. Just a quick reminder, my son is 20 months old. 6 years olds (and older) running, jumping and shoving kids out of the way is a problem. Especially since the parents were either nowhere to be found or worse, encouraging the play. I would have videotaped the mayhem but I was too busy trying to ensure that my child was not bowled over in all of the excited horseplay.
Another mom and I stood hovering over our children, tsk, tsking the irresponsibility of the parents at the party. Fortunately no children were injured but there were several times when I was 2 seconds away from snatching up someone else's child and asking them to behave. And based on the attitude of the parents in attendance I probably would have been cussed out for my forward behavior.
Needless to say, the party was great in theory but in reality ended up being a lot more stressful than I anticipated. I have written a note to self for the future " request average age and number of children in attendance before accepting a birthday invitation." Harsh yes, but necessary for the well-being of my son and my mental health. Toddlers and school age children with inattentive parents do not mix.
For more Wordful Wednesday visit Angie's 7 Clown Circus.
Comments
Some people get a birthday party invite and think it's free time. They just drop the kid off and leave, or stay at the party and don't supervise their own kid.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
We live in a town of 500 and the local park is usually deserted. I love it when we're the only ones there and I don't have to supervise or worry about other kids!
I must admit that you are much more restrained than I am. I have been known to make a comment or three to parents and/or children if they seem out of control. Honestly, what are people thinking?
-Francesca
My youngest son is also 20 months - our guys' birthday's must be close!
It always amazes me when I see parents chat, chat, chatting away as if the world was their babysitter.
For us, we only attend smaller parties with more control. Just makes us all happier!
Cute cakes by the way!!!
but seems like he enjoyed himself (at least some) regardless. :-)
Sooo not a good look.
(OMG! Your page is taking for EVER to load mama. It happened earlier in the week too, not sure if it's just me.)