IME, most kids parties, for that age group (3-6) only last 1-2 hours. For most parents, you’re still having to keep an eye on your kid to make sure they behave civilly so it’s not like you’re just hanging out in the kitchen knocking back drink after drink.
IME, McKnew, beer isn’t typically offered at toddler parties because with all the mayhem, it’s too easy for a tot to grab an unwatched bottle. As the kids get older, but still young enough for the parents to want to stick around, the age group you’re discussing, then it becomes a little more common. Kids that age are more aware of what they aren’t supposed to drink and the adults don’t have to constantly interact with them and can enjoy one or two adult beverages. When the kids get older (7+) the parents don’t tend to stick around (unless it’s family). Go ahead and offer it. I would say to only have maybe a 12-pack chilled, about one per adult - some people will drink some won’t but it’ll even out. Anything more than that will look a bit inappropriate. A small amount is like a wink to the other parents about what a trial kid’s parties can be.
I, too, have heard of parents giving the kid a sip once in a while without all hell breaking loose.
As for drinking in general at kids’ parties, I don’t remember if my parents/relatives did so, but I don’t think it would’ve been a huge deal. As long as no one’s getting totally smashed, why not?
You should also be sure to have some non-alcoholic stuff for the adults, like tonic water, lime/cranberry cocktail, diet soda, that sort of thing. The kids will presumably be drinking sweet punch and many adults have lost the taste for such sweet drinks.
I’ve not seen it offered at birthday parties (the Sprout is 5) except for once. It was a party in a park, and there were several coolers full of drinks. Word was passed around among the adults that there was some wine and beer in one cooler that was set apart from the others. I really did enjoy my paper cup of wine on that hot summer day.
In other words, it was offered, but in a low-key way, which I think was wholly appropriate for a kids’ party. I would hardly expect it, but I did appreciate it.
This is just plain good manners at any party. My first party after I gave up drinking offered booze and very sweet kiddie punch. I was reduced to drinking tap water.
To have alcohol available (for adults only) is the sign of a courteous host. Guests can always reach for the soft-drink bottle instead. ‘Carrie Nation’ types in attendance (people who insist on preaching to/berating your other guests for the sin of nursing one 3 ouce cup of wine during the course of a 6 hour party) can be smiled at & gently ‘dropped from the list’ of any future parties.
Must resist posting the idea of hoisting assholish parents by their belt-loops for an impromptu baseball-bat pinata party in the garage. Damn, resistance was futile.
I see no problem with it as long as there is food being served and not just cake and ice cream.
I have never had major birthday parties for my children other than just “kid” parties with only family members as guests/helpers and I have always had at least beer with the hard stuff hidden in the cupboard in case they would like a nip.
I have noticed most will have a drink after most of the games/food and what not are over with. Sort of a winding down time while the kids play with the new presents and run around the yard.
Sort of like a “touchdown”. We made it through another birthday and no child had even a scratch.
I was one of those kids getting sips of Dad’s beer every once in a while as a child. When I was in high school, I was the one that was the designated driver and I rarely drink now. It just wasn’t a big deal to me. The kids from households where drinking was verboten were the Friday-night-till-Monday-morning drunks. Just my $.02.
To the OP, I’ve been to many of both types of parties and either can be fun and entertaining for the kiddies and adults. The best advice that you’ve gotten in this thread is to know your audience. I’m guessing that most of your adult guests would enjoy an adult beverage.
