Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

My daughter will turn 3 in 7 weeks and just started preschool at a language based school. I was thinking of inviting all her classmates (only 10 kids including her) to a bday party and having it at one of the venues here on the island - picking one closer to the school assuming that is a good common point.

I am pretty much using the bday as an excuse. My daughter is the youngest in the class and the next bday of any kid is not for > 4 months. I thought it would be a nice welcoming gesture and thought that since a concern for the parents in the class is socialization it might be something the others would appreciate. My concern is we just started school so I have met the other parents only very briefly.

Do you think people will like the gesture or (my fear) think I am pushy or out for gifts or something negative? I just want to get some bonding going and help my daughter socialize

I thought I would have another parent meeting with the class before the party to feel everyone out, but my inlaws have booked a vacation that spans over 2 weekends that are the weekend we had planned party and one immediately following it, so now we are calling to try to find an earlier date pre-bday which means I won't have occasion to broach with parents in person casually.

This is way too much typing to ask - good idea or bad idea? I already talked to various venues re extra cost of bringing in GF, peanut-free dairy free food since I know the various dietary issues of kids (including my own who is gluten free)

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

I think it is a great idea to invite the classmates. I invited kids from Christopher's class, and some came, and he was so excited to see his friends outside of school.

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

I think it's a wonderful idea. I'm not sure what we are doing this year since DS is now in two programs and inviting both classes would mean around 30 kids--too many for him to deal well with! But one class of 10 sounds lovely.

DS was in daycare last year, and I took him to every birthday party we were invited to and could attend. These group situations aren't easy for him, but I think it's important that he have some exposure. 9 times out of 10, he wound up having a great time once he warmed up, especially if the party involved some physical activity or a play space he could run around in (I think it helps get his anxiety out).

If people cannot afford a gift, they will probably decline, and you could also tell people no gifts (though generally they bring them anyway).

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

I think most parents will appreciate it and won't think you are looking for gifts.

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

We were invited to a few birthday parties for DS's classmates last year. It really was great to go to these. We had more of an opportunity to talk to other parents at the birthday parties than we ever did at school. I am not saying you have to do this, but all of the party hosts invited siblings as well, which I think was greatly appreciated. The other thing is that they told the venue in advance that the group was special needs so they could make sure there was enough staffing to handle the group.

When the class has parties at school, it's always a little crazy because they are short (an hour or less) and the kids are so excited that parents are in the classroom, they don't really give the parents a chance to talk to one another. My own DS hangs all over me and I barely get a chance to talk to any of the other adults.

As a parent of a SN child, for me it's always great to meet parents who are going through similar issues. IMO, it's even better meeting parents from the class, because you can network and find out things about the school, services, etc. I think the other parents would really appreciate being invited.

ETA - if you are inviting the whole class, you can send the invites to the teacher and she/he can send them home in the backpacks.

Message edited 9/21/2011 10:21:33 AM.

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

This was a general practice at DS' school last year in his first year of preschool.

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

I think it's a great idea!

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?

Thanks for all the responses and consensus. I think I was just freaking put last night. And great idea re sending invites home in back packs ( and inviting siblings).

Re: Inviting New Classmates--Good idea? Bad idea?