Paying to attend a child's birthday party.

System

ive heard of it but think its ridiculous. My kids wouldn't have gone on principal.

Maybe the parents will change their mind when hardly anyone turns up or no one will talk to them at the school gate.

jellyhead

Alpha58 wrote: »

I'm a little lost now as I thought it was advocating for "pay parties" but if I had that wrong, fair enough.

Continuing the graduation theme, making mortar boards out of card for children finishing nursery? On one level this is a bit of harmless fun but on another, it is reinforcing the idea that simply showing up for compulsory education or completing a "foundation degree" (they were called diplomas in my day) should warrant some sort of mock-ceremony. This devalues the experience for those who have gone through a degree course - my graduation wasn't exciting but it was a nice finishing touch to the years of work. There is an expectation being created that a fuss should be made of those who complete something either compulsory or low-level which is a reflection of the wider culture of instant fame and adulation that is so nastily prevalent. Does this make me a "degree snob"? Probably yes, but I don't really care, I think I have earned the right.

I don't think being a degree snob is fair, really. The same ceremony is provided for those who scraped a pass as those who got a first. It's more a matter of wanting to go to university. You don't need to have above average intelligence to get through uni, and many intelligent people choose not to go.

Anyway, I don't really see the point of a graduation ceremony. We used to have an end of year party when I was at school, and that was much more exciting. I've rather have a balloon and a bowl of jelly than a mortar board and a certificate. I'd still have preferred that at my graduation ceremony actually

fabforty

Thanks everyone for your views and responses. I don't know how many people are attending these parties - I didn't ask and haven't spoken to either parent, I just shoved my RSVPs in the post. I suspect of lot of parents will stump up. I refused on principle, because I think they have a flipping cheek not because I couldn't afford it. On the other hand, I can't help feeling that it's not the children's fault and ultimately if no-one turns up, they will be the ones to suffer (don't worry I'm not going soft, I'm still not going). Other parents might tke pity on the children and go regardless.

To answer another posters question, I am in London.

Janepig

fabforty wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your views and responses. I don't know how many people are attending these parties - I didn't ask and haven't spoken to either parent, I just shoved my RSVPs in the post. I suspect of lot of parents will stump up. I refused on principle, because I think they have a flipping cheek not because I couldn't afford it. On the other hand, I can't help feeling that it's not the children's fault and ultimately if no-one turns up, they will be the ones to suffer (don't worry I'm not going soft, I'm still not going). Other parents might tke pity on the children and go regardless.

To answer another posters question, I am in London.

I wonder if other parents may turn up who know no different - first child, first round of "school" parties, and who just assume that having to pay to attend a party is how things are done nowadays.

Jx

jellyhead

Some people will probably go anyway, because it's a long summer holiday and their toddlers will enjoy socialising with friends.