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Recently, a parent related to me that she hosted a party for her 9 year old son. The invitation clearly marked the beginning and end of the party. Unfortunately, she was so busy when one of the kids got dropped off ~ a kid whom she didn’t know very well ~ she was unable to say hello to the parents, as they just dropped him off. She had wanted to introduce herself, get their phone number in case she needed to call, and welcome the kid. When she didn’t she felt bad, but didn’t think it was too big of a deal.
The party ran its course, and when it was over, no one came to pick up this kid. She asked him if he knew his phone number and he replied, “yes.” So, he called his parents and told them the party was over and to come pick him up. The parent who was hosting the party was particularly anxious because she had to be somewhere soon and didn’t have too much time to wait around….but wait she did…the parents arrived a full hour late. When they arrived, they didn’t say anything, just got him in the car and drove off.
Now, how can this be avoided in the future? Well, in this scenario, most of the steps were taken to avoid it, and it still happened:
- Make sure the start and end times are clearly written on the physical invitation.
- When the parent RSVPs, have that discussion about when the party ends to reinforce that they will need to be available to pick up her kid at this time.
- Make sure when the parent drops off her kid, you have the contact information for the parent, or that the kid knows the phone number.
- If they do not arrive, feel free to call or have the kid call her parents and ask to be picked up.
As I wrote above, this parent had done most of these steps, and it still happened. As a result, a final tip: don’t have any pressing plans after a birthday party so that you are not stressed out if this situation arises. Although all of the steps have been taken to minimize this situation, be aware that it still can occur and be prepared.
