I Know You From Daycare But I Am Not A Daycare

I’m hosting a three-year-old’s birthday party at a kiddie-themed venue, so lots of parents and their kids/toddlers are running around that we know from daycare.

 A couple walks in with their toddler son.

Parent: “Where can we put his bag in case you need anything?”

Me: *Confused by the question.* “Feel free to keep it at any table you choose to sit.”

Parent: “Oh, we’re just dropping off our little one. We’ll be back to pick him up after the party is done in a couple of hours.”

Me: “We cannot watch your child. We are only hosting the party; nobody here can be left responsible for watching your child. You will need to stay.”

Parent: “He is super simple to watch, and you won’t have a problem at all. Just call us if there is one.”

Me: “That will not be happening. Once again, we are busy hosting. You need to stay with your child.”

Parent: “Well, I guess he and the gift we brought will not be able to stay because we have shopping to do.”

Me: “Thank you for stopping by.”

They blankly stared at me, shocked that their threat did not work. Of course, their kid had a tantrum about having to leave so fast, so they stayed for the first half of the party. They still walked out with their gift, though (oh darn, one less random Amazon kid’s toy).

Who in their right mind thinks it is okay to drop off a three-year-old with people they have never met before, other than a daycare?