Paying to attend a child's birthday party.

jellyhead

notanewuser wrote: »

I'm determined that DD's birthdays will major in jelly and blancmange for as long as possible.

My mum did me a jelly and blancmange party for my 40th

jellyhead

bossymoo wrote: »

I've had parties at soft play for DS a couple of times, and they are around £7 per child. I usually invite siblings if we know the family, but I wouldn't dream of charging them! That's the cost of a party! I would also be surprised at a gift worth more than about £5 - that seems to be the norm in our circle. I usually buy books as gifts, or craft sets.

Think its a bit rude tbh.

Gifts around £5, less than £10 are the norm here too. Somebody gave my son £8 in his card because he was 8, I thought that was a good idea and a bit more special than putting £10 in

Alpha58

SunshineButterfly wrote: »

The norm is for the parents of the party to pay for children attending..

No it's not! This is all part of the same nonsense of "high school proms" and dressing up students who have managed to last through a year or two of further education in mock-silk gowns and mortar boards. It's not reality!

Just my opinions (and some of this veers off-thread):

1. Most parents want to have parties for the children but you cut your coat according to your cloth. If you are lucky enough to have the money, a big and expensive bash could be nice but small children aren't that bothered. If you can't afford it, don't punch above your weight and never, ever ask for payment - that is simply tacky!

2. The end of secondary school is indeed a time for celebration, but what happened to the summer ball idea? Why do so many feel the need to dress up 16 year olds in ballgowns and suits and hire stretch limousines for having managed to complete (compulsory) education?

3. If you want to have a graduation ceremony with gown and cap - complete a degree course.

Grrr!!! perhaps this should be on a grumpy old !!!!!!s thread!

YorkshirePoolie

I thankfully have never experienced this! Definitely not what normally happens.
I have thrown a party for my Son most years, and would never expect the kids to have to pay to attend.
Parties are expensive, but if you can't afford it then you need to re-assess and make it cheaper, not charge the guests.

Glad you declined the invitation! :-)

katrina001

No, absolutely not the norm. I have 3 children, I invite however many children I can afford to pay for. I would not dream of charging parents! I have never been asked to pay either!.

maman

FBaby wrote: »

Never heard of it either. If my kids received such an invitation, it would a 'no thank you' just out of principle.

I agree with you and if everyone stood firm then the silly idea would just fizzle out. BUT, although OP's child is a toddler now it would be very difficult in a few years time when he gets left out from parties if others are willing to pay up. I'm not saying it's right, just that I can see the potential for emotional blackmail here.

Alpha58 wrote: »

No it's not! This is all part of the same nonsense of "high school proms" and dressing up students who have managed to last through a year or two of further education in mock-silk gowns and mortar boards. It's not reality!

Grrr!!! perhaps this should be on a grumpy old !!!!!!s thread!

Round her they do the 'graduation' thing for Year 6 with horrid, cheap looking gowns that resemble bin bags. I can see the point, they have a speaker from the local university and generally want them to go forward with inspiration and aspiration but it is tacky in the extreme.

Not sure I agree about the proms though. That's a sort of 'rite of passage' to adulthood as they can't make the assumption that everyone will go on to FE. It will change soon though with the school leaving age.

lushlifesaver

I've heard of it but certainly don't agree with it, for many of the reasons already given by other posters.

My (future) child/ren will be having proper kids parties like my brother and I had growing up - either at home or in a local hall with catering done by the family, gorgeous homemade cakes and treats and fun activities.

My best party ever was a 'fun at the fair' type one my parents put together in our backgarden. We had about 20 different fairground games all made by mum and dad and a glorius buffet picnic.

I can still remember parents being horrified that mum didn't provide wine, beers and 'adult' food for those of them hanging around. She turned around and said 'well this is a party for the children and they wouldn't care for any and we don't drink around ours or any that come to play/we supervise so no. There is no alcohol. If you wish to drink off you go and do so but do remember you have to pick them up later' hehe

onlyroz

No, my kids have never been asked to pay to attend a party. The norm for young kids seems to be an hour's soft play or bouncy castle followed by some sandwiches and cake. The "etiquette", if there is any, is for the guest to bring a small present, and to receive a small party bag at the end.

[Deleted User]

I've been to 15 or so parties for 4 year olds this year - we've not been asked to pay to go to any (nor would I expect to).

Can't afford a party? Have a small family gathering... you should never expect guests to pay to turn up to your party!

bargainbetty

Alpha58 wrote: »

No it's not!

Did you actually read the post? The writer is saying that the parents of the children hosting the party should pay for the kids attending. The birthday family pays for the birthday party.