What if Aunt Bessie is coming in from PA?

  I know early is better for todler parties, but what if Aunt Bessie is coming from PA?True, the earlier you schedule a todler party the better. The kids are at their best. Your friends prefer to get the party out of the way so they can schedule other events in their day (unless their older kids have Saturday morning sports, of course). But what if Aunt Bessie is driving in from Pennsylvania and ...there's no way that you can have a morning party? Start as early as possible in the afternoon, right? Maybe not. Famous pediatrician and author, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton recommends a nap between noon and 2 pm, and most parents nap their todlers approximately in this slot, so scheduling a party in the afternoon before 3 pm. may be awkward. Sometimes the result is that people arrive late. After reading this, you may be tempted to start even later, say 4 pm, but do beware of entering the Cranky Zone. So, for an afternoon party, 3 pm is about right, entertainment at 3:15 or 3:30, followed by pizza (or alternative) at 4:15 pm, then cake.