I never thought people would be insulted by my awesome parenting skills. That is until last night when we attended a Chanukah party that was called for 8pm. My kids usually go to bed before then. If I would’ve brought them, they would’ve fallen asleep in the car and would’ve been zombies at the party. And then I would’ve had to be the one who took care of them in their zombie-like state. Not fun. So, I decided to leave them home so DH and I could attend the party and the kids could get a good night sleep. It seemed like the reasonable thing to do.
Wow, was the hostess of our party insulted. How dare we not bring the kids! It’s Chanukah! They should be allowed to stay up late for Chanukah! All I did was nod and smile. Nod and smile. Nod and smile some more. If my child was 5, maybe I would’ve brought him, but bare in mind that my oldest is only 2. We left the party at 11:15pm. I couldn’t even imagine what my kids would’ve been like after staying up so late. On the way home, all I could think about was how I really was thinking about the well-being of my kids and that ALWAYS has to come first, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Until next time,
Shaindy
Did your hostess have young children of her own? I always leave my kids with a sitter after 7. Its ridiculous to take kids to a party they and you cant enjoy. You did the right thing. Your hostess seems a little out to lunch!
Thanks for making me feel better. It was hard to justIfy my choice at the party because of course we were the only ones who didn’t bring our kids!
One thing I learned as soon as my oldest was born is that some people like to be parenting experts( and bosses). No one knows my kids like I do. I do what I think is right and that’s it. love your blog, by the way!
I’m with the other commenters (and I don’t have kids yet). Expecting small children to be at a party that starts after 8:00 p.m. doesn’t seem to make sense to me. And even if it does make sense, you’re the parent and you can make the decision about whether if works for your children. Keep being awesome.
I’m surprised your hostess expected kids to be at a party that started at 8! Equally surprised that everyone did bring the kids.
Hi!
I found your blog through JewishMom.com.
I am also a full-time work mom with a little daughter (16 months).
After my daughter was born, I took her few times with me to some dinners/parties because I was not really aware of things. I ended up exhausted, my little one annoyed, crying and tired… Plus everybody asking “why is she crying”?! Why?! Because she was a baby and she was supposed to be in bed.
So, I learned and now she stays home.
Thanks for commenting! Don’t you love when people ask you why your child is crying- as if it’s your fault?! I guess now everyone’s replacing that question with, “Why didn’t you bring your kids?” Both annoying, but I much prefer the second one 🙂