The Not-So-Fun Side of Attending a Child's Birthday Party

As much as we may complain, we enjoy throwing our kids an extravagant birthday bash. The stress that comes from re-creating a Pinterest board is worth it when we see the smile on our children's faces. But what happens when you're on the other side of things? Having to attend a lavish kiddie bash is different than hosting one. If you think it will be all frosted baked goods and fun, think again. Source: Shutterstock

01
You show up at the address on the invitation . . .

You show up at the address on the invitation . . .

But it looks like you walked into a Cirque du Soleil performance. Source: Warner Brothers

02
Your child runs to his friends, leaving you to mingle with other moms.
Disney

Your child runs to his friends, leaving you to mingle with other moms.

Most of whom ask why you haven't been to a PTA meeting in months.

03
This is only made more difficult by the fact that there's no booze.

This is only made more difficult by the fact that there's no booze.

Not even a mimosa. Source: Fox

04
You witness your kid eating some sweet treats.

You witness your kid eating some sweet treats.

At 11 a.m. Source: Warner Brothers

05
Which causes him to go wild at 11:15 a.m.

Which causes him to go wild at 11:15 a.m.

Source: Wifflegif

06
At some point, you are accosted by a clown.
ABC

At some point, you are accosted by a clown.

Or a princess, or someone in a Micky Mouse suit.

08
About five gifts in, you realize you weren't the only one who bought them the latest Skylanders game.
Disney

About five gifts in, you realize you weren't the only one who bought them the latest Skylanders game.

You should have just gone with a gift card.

09
After about two hours, it's time to find your child and take him home.
NBC

After about two hours, it's time to find your child and take him home.

This turns into a life-size version of Where's Waldo?

10
When you find her, she resists.

When you find her, she resists.

After all, what little kid wants to leave the bouncy house? Source: TLC

11
Eventually, the sugar coma kicks in and resistance is futile.

Eventually, the sugar coma kicks in and resistance is futile.

Thank goodness for the "make your own cupcake" station. Source: Bunim/Murray Productions

12
As you walk out the door, you hear your child gag.

As you walk out the door, you hear your child gag.

Then you see her spew something colorful onto the ground. Source: DreamWorks

13
By the time you get home, you decide you need a nap.

By the time you get home, you decide you need a nap.

Or at the very least, a cocktail. Source: Bravo