Other kids get dropped at parties at 7. Mine can't cope with the noise/chaos/unstructured bit and I end up shadowing him the whole time while other parents enjoy a coffee. Do you stay? Decline? How do you handle the social side without isolating him?
4 replies
Sarah M
30 April 2026
I stay but I've stopped feeling weird about it. I tell the host 'I'll hang back, he does better with me around' and most are lovely about it. The kids who matter still invite him.
Hannah W
1 May 2026
We arrive a bit late (skip the chaotic free-for-all start) and leave before cake meltdown o'clock. A shorter, well-timed visit beats a full meltdown-ending one.
Mel A
1 May 2026
Brief the host kid's parent beforehand if you can — 'he might need a quiet break, that's normal for him'. Takes the pressure off everyone and they usually appreciate the heads up.
Aoife M
2 May 2026
Late arrival + early exit is genius. The opening scramble is exactly when it goes wrong. Thank you, feeling less alone in the shadowing.
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