9 o’clock birthday invitation!

I would go because it’s your family but arrive a bit later no excuses. The child’s priorities come first which is not always practical for guests. I always had a small party for my children with just their friends being dropped and picked up. My parents were both not well and other family were working.

We have been invited to parties (not by our own children) at bizarre times. Even when working running a business being expected to lose business for parties.
Early afternoon tea parties for toddlers or burger afternoons for teens but we gave them a miss.

Despite the timing if it was my grandchild I wouldn’t want to miss their party. As it is his grandchild have you asked your DH how he feels and if he wants to go? Depending on his answer I would make excuses or travel the day before and stop somewhere overnight. I would leave the decision and the response to him.

Perhaps your husband could go on his own, Karen?

I can't help getting the feeling that the OP's objection arises because the child is not her grandchild.

I would make a wee break of it - book into a B & B, pop in with his presents the day before, enjoy the party and drive home in the afternoon. If DGS is at his best in the mornings, then it is sensible to have his party then.

Not sure how old you are but I think I would simply turn up, you can always sit down when you get there. The other alternative is to book into a hotel for the night before and make a holiday of it.

I wonder what time this child has his/her nap, and I wonder when everyone will be packed off and sent home? If I were you I'd leave home at whatever time suited me and arrive late, and as (I assume) you are a grandparent there's nothing to stop you from staying on late and helping with the napping routine.
However, the child will be so hyped up on party excitement and sugar, he/she won't be in the mood for a nap - good luck with that!

Think I would simply pass on the celebration.

Are you able to stay somewhere over night?
Personally I wouldn’t miss any grandchild’s birthday. I have heard of Breakfast birthdays before to fit in with parents routines & different croissants, pastries, cereals and toast seem to be the food offered and of course coffee for the mums.
As for families being child centred that’s their business and not one we should particularly question.
I hope you have a happy time celebrating.

Thank your for answering @Coastpath :-) But, besides the travelling time, what are your toughts about the world spinning around the needs of ONE child?

The world spinning around one child on that child's birthday doesn't seem over the top to me. Will it matter if you arrive a little bit late to the party? Leaving your home at 0800 doesn't strike me as particularly early, but of course I don't know your normal sleeping/getting up situation

You could just not go if it's such a problem.

Can you go the evening before and stay overnight?

Seems absurd to me. I assume the child is the birthday child so it isn't surprising that the focus is on him/her, but 3 is surely old enough to be flexible over day time routines. Is party food to be eaten at 9 o'clock in the morning?

Whether you go or not is a different thing, and I daresay you will have no real say in the matter.... Bad luck!

Oh my goodness, Karen, that’s an early start for you! I think this might be something the parents will look back on in future years as a funny family story, as in “What on earth were we thinking?”.

Thank your for answering @Coastpath :-) But, besides the travelling time, what are your toughts about the world spinning around the needs of ONE child? I’m not in some kind of hetz here, I just think that it’s worth discussing how much we have to adjust to Project children. In a kind, inspirational way, to learn, to get wiser. I am happy and proud to be a Grandmother - but I am also much more than that.

It sounds as though the parents haven't really thought of how this timing will present problems for people who have to travel.

That said I'd just go with it. I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time and the early start will be worth it. Afterwards you'll have the whole day to yourselves to enjoy.