So my one daycare family was super eager to host a BBQ for all the daycare families to get to know them etc, super sweet right? Well I am invited as well. I want to decline, from a business perspective it doesn't make sense to attend a social gathering of this nature. I am a bit torn though because I know the family would like me to attend and may be hurt if I decline. Also, the reality is when you are running a daycare and have your own young children, these kids are my kids friends. They are my kids only friends really as none of my friends/husbands friends have kids yet. So on one hand it would be nice to attend as I know my kids would have fun etc but I know it doesn't make sense from a business sense.

How do I get out of this?? They are holding it just before daycare closing hours on a Friday and live around the corner from me.