A MUM has sparked a debate after revealing how she doesn’t like parents bringing children to their children’s birthday parties.
She explained that she felt it wasn’t fair to her or the child and also disagrees with having to shell out for the unwanted guest as well.
The action angered her so much that she took to the online forum Mothers Network to express your thoughts on this.
She also asked other parents what their thoughts were and whether she was being irrational in her views.
She titled the post: “AIBU [Am I being unreasonable] don’t like people bringing other kids who aren’t invited to a party?”
The mother then asked others Mothers Network users: “If you were having, say, a birthday party and you invited the kids, but the parent wanted to bring the child’s siblings or another friend, wouldn’t that bother you?”
She then went on to explain why she would disagree with this.
The mother wrote: “I would be very upset if someone bought another child who was not invited with them, because my child (unless they were somehow friends or knew each other) would barely know them.
“I think it wouldn’t be fair to the child because they wouldn’t know the person whose party it is.”
The mother then emphasized the fact that she did not want to fork out for the “unwanted” additional guest.
She added: “It probably gets worse when the unwanted expect party bags and food.”
One parent expressed her thoughts by writing, “There is a woman in my son’s class who has four children and all four children seem to be at every party this child is invited to.
“Dad isn’t picking up or dropping off any days, so he must be around on the weekends, but still, it seems like all the kids must come along.
“That always irritates me, even though I’m assuming she asked and was told it’s okay.
I think it wouldn’t be fair to the child because they wouldn’t know the person whose party it is
Mumsnet user
“To add, I also have a younger child and before my eldest child got to the age where she would fall over and leave, I would always make sure I had someone to look after her or pay her separately and bought food, etc., wherever. It was a light-hearted kind of party.”
Another parent, who was guilty of doing this, explained how they got around the problem.
They wrote: “I have been guilty of bringing my other son to parties in the past, but only to games/places where I could pay extra.
“I never expect anyone to provide food/party bags for the extra child.
“That being said, whenever I throw a party, I always make sure I have a few spare party bags to allow for additional little passengers.”
A third parent added: “I think it depends on the location/age of the children.
Average cost of a child’s birthday for parents
According to a new study from the UK’s leading money-saving brand Voucher Cloud, it has revealed that more than two-thirds of British parents throw their children a birthday party every year – and the costs can be high.
- Average party spend – £320.50
- Average spend on gifts – £175.80
“It seems quite normal for siblings to be welcome at mellow/village-style parties here.
“But these are whole-class parties with younger kids who aren’t at the age to drop and go. Siblings in two are invariably babies/toddlers so cannot be left easily.
“But YANBU [you are not being unreasonable] on tag-alongs with friends or when delivering food/party bags.
“Also, I think it would be different if it was a more limited number/we’re not talking about babies in arms.”
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