What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

My sil's broter and sil invited us to their dd's communion. Now we are friendly with them and see them mostly all summer long but during the winter not as much. Anyway we got an invite for the whole family and its form 1-5 at a restauraant. i am sure its a private room but still i told Dh i woudl rather leave my 2year old son home with my mom and just take my 3.5 year old dd. He relaly doesnt have any kids there his age and he will either be all over the place or he will be tired and i wil lend up touring the neghborhood trying to get him to sleep. he says we have to bring him. i said well how come we didnt bring him to your coworkers sons christening back in January? he said bc it wasnt "family" and there is no reason not to bring him to this. Any thoughts?

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

It's totally up to you, but if it were me I would bring him. I would just bring some crayons and a coloring book or something with me.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

i know but that only lasts so long. And the other thing is I am the one who ends up running aorund after him or taking him for walk and missing half the party.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

Me, personally- I never feel complete at functions w/ out all my family components with me


But, you have to do what you feel will be best for all of you ( I would not even factor in how anyone else in the extended family views it)

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

In the past month I have left my 2 year old home from a family wedding and a bris. Just my 5 year old went. I really doubt the hosts care if your 2 year old is there, they were likely just being nice. My 2 year old can't make it through dinner at a pizza place. I totally get where you are coming from and would leave him with your mom. Everyone (especially your son) will be much better off.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

thanks girls

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

I would do whatever I wanted and not care about what anyone else thinks! Don't bring him if you don't want to ! :)

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

I would care how my DH feels about it too wanting the whole family there...I would just expect that my DH would help look after him too at the party and he does... I personally would not feel right leaving one of my kids behind I do understand how you feel though.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

I probably wouldn't bring him. that way you can enjoy the party and relax and your Mom will have quality time with him!

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

Thanks everyone.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

A month ago, I probably would have said to bring him.

But last month, we drove to NY for SIL's bridal shower. The restaurant was reserved for the event, which was good...but my 16 month-old DD was good for the first hour and a half. After that, I couldn't enjoy myself because she was running all over the restaurant and getting in the waitresses' way.

I wound up leaving halfway through because she was just DONE, *I* wasn't having a good time...

I really wish I could have left her home with my DH, but since it was HIS sister's shower, he had to be there--except he was next door at the bar with all the other guys

So, my advice would be to leave him home...but I'd probably try to see if you can get a babysitter for both of them. Otherwise, plan on staying less than the normal amount of time.

Re: What are your opinions about feeling obligated to bring a kid to a party bc they were invited?

thanks see my dh doesnt see my point at all. My 3.5 year odl will be fine although i wouldnt mind leaving them both home that wasnt my argument to him it was only my ds( i did want to push the issue by suggesting we leave BOTH home LOL) but he is not going for it. So i said well i hope you enjoy yourself bc you wll be running after him the whole time