Do You Go To Daycare Kids Birthday Parties?

[Baby Beluga]

I don't go.

Ideally it would be great if I could go. DD is the same age as the others and they have all grown up together for 2+ years. BUT mixing personal with business just isn't a good idea. The extended families all want to discuss my work and as a PP said I usually end up watching/caring for all the children there.

I don't give a reason. I just state that we are unable to attend but I hope the birthday child has fun.

[Ariana]

I went with my very first enrolled family because we were neighbours and friends first. I have never gone to one after that and have never been invited. I think I make it super clear that we are not friends!

If I was asked I would like buy a gift and just make up an excuse. I wouldn't say anything about business and persnal time etc. I would just make up something, vague so they kind of know I am making up an excuse. Its once a year and they will get the hint.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

depends on if I am available or not I have gone to some. But, I don't feel obligated one way or another.

[flying_babyb]

I work weekends so no! I did attend one because it was my fav DCB who I had taken care of for years. He was a special needs child and mom figured no one would show up

[e.j.]

I went once (parent was my husband's coworker) and it was all family members except for us. It felt very uncomfortable; I never accepted another invitation. I usually explain that I have other plans for that date - which is true even if my plans are to rest and relax - and I can't make it.

[Meeko]

I just tell them thank you for inviting me but I've found its best to keep business and personal separate. If necessary I've added the "I'm sure you understand" phrase.

I have 14 kids. That's ALOT of parties and ALOT of money for gift and sadly, because I AM daycare, I usually ended up entertaining and/or supervising kids. NOT something I care to do during my off time.

Most times it simply can't be helped as those of us in this profession know that kids are naturally drawn to us.

I've even gone so far as to share that reason with parents.

I've never had a parent be upset or not understand

This exactly. We have 16 kids. I can't possibly go to all of the parties (and don't want to).

I just tell the parents that I cannot possibly go to all the parties, so I don't go to any in order to be fair.

Many years ago I did go to one party held at a local skating rink. It quickly became evident that I was asked to go so I could "nanny" the kids for free while the parents socialized. Never again.

[AmyKidsCo]

I don't mix business with personal so I do not go.
My off time is family and private time.

Ditto!

[kendallina]

I don't unless I'm good friends with the family and would have been invited anyways. I just say I have plans.

[knoxmomof2]

I do ☺️ I love getting an invite to be a part of such a special day. Then again, I only have 4 that I keep at a time! Lol.. As long as they are in my care on their birthday (and have been for a bit), they get a gift from me either way each year.

I just go and stay as long as I feel comfortable staying. I usually have an out ready ahead of time that I can use if necessary if it's a first time visit to their party. If I had a child / family I just didn't want to see in off hours, I would tell them I had plans but thank you for the invite.