Kids Birthday Party - parents of kid question

Question

We are having a birthday party for our 4 yr old at the local McDonald's... the cost is 10 kids @ $60.00 total. Do we need to feed the parents of the kids too? Has anyone been to a kids McD's bday party? What is the norm? All I can imagine is with 10 kids - we'll end up feeding 20 parents and that's going to start to get pricy... opinions and thoughts welcome! Maybe offering a beverage? And what do I say in the invite - "parents welcome to purchase lunch"?

HELP!

Answer 1

2 years ago I went to a party that was held in a bowling alley. The mother of the child told everyone that she was only paying for the kids to bowl. If an adult wanted to bowl, they would have to pay for themselves.

Just write a note on the invitation that if an adult wants to participate, they need to pay x amount of dollars to you no later than whatever date. Maybe if you are close to one of the parents or family, see if they can pay the parent's tab. It never hurts to ask! ;)

Answer 2

If it's a kid's party it's only for the kids. Parents are no supposed to be at the party. They drop the off at MacDonalds.  

Answer 3

I have never ever expected to be fed at any of the food place bday parties I have taken my kids to (mcd's, chuck e cheese, etc)   The name on the invitation is to the child.  It is understood that you are paying for the child.  Now, if you request that the parents stay or put their names on the invite too, then you should probably pay for them, but you're probably not doing that, so don't worry about it :)

Answer 4

This is a child's party, you do not need to feed the parents as well! I'd just put a little note on the invite like you suggested just to let them know out of courtesy, or maybe even give the parents a call (if you know them) to let them know.

If you do feel really bad about it, then maybe you could use the $60 to throw a BBQ instead so the parents and kids can both participate.

Answer 5

If you expect the parents to come, then you should anticipate feeding them as well. I agree it's annoying to have to worry about feeding the parents as well, but since the kids are so young it will really be to your benefit to do it since you're going to have 10 preschoolers on your hands. Think of the parents as extra supervision. I think the general view is that it's tacky to put in an invite "Please pay your own way". I wouldn't have a problem with it, but I know many who would. Perhaps call the parents to get a head count so you know how to plan financially beforehand. Some parents may just drop their kids off.

Answer 6

Parents can buy their own food.

Answer 7

parents don't expect to be fed at any kiddies party let alone Mc Ds.

So forget about parents and enjoy your kids party

Answer 8

You absolutely do not have to feed the parents.  I've been to such parties with my daughter, and I never expected to be fed.  This is about the kids.

I hope your child has lots of fun!

Answer 9

If you are inviting a 4 year old, you are automatically inviting his/her parent(s) and you should host the parents as well as the children. If you cannot afford to invite this many people, then maybe you should cut down on the kids list. Not serving the parents is very tacky…

Happy birthday to your little one :)

Answer 10

Assuming the point of the party is to acquire gifts for the four year old, what do you think the median price of the gift is, $6, $12, or $18? Have your child open the gifts before any food is ordered. If it's a $12 gift, tell them the child and one parent may order food. If it's an $18 gift, allow the child and both parents to eat. A miserly $6 gift? Child only.

Keep in mind that while a gift may appear to be worth $12, it might have been purchased at discount. So always lowball your appraisals.

This quid pro quo should work well for you. Good luck with your fundraiser.  

Answer 11

No.  The parents should make themselves scarce for 1/2 hour (encourage them to run an errand or two during this time) with one parent staying behind to supervise for every three kids in attendance.  The parent that stays benind should have their meal bought.