Holiday dilemma

Alikay

We didn't expect any money for food when we took our kids' friends away with us, but it was nice if they offered to pay for an ice-cream for us all or similar. Asking them to pay for their own entrance to theme parks or activities seems reasonable though.

warby68

Another risk is that if you take money for food you open the door for the other child's parent to stipulate food requirements - eg child may be told to order whatever they like when eating out as its paid for, or not to eat at certain restaurants, or you might be asked to provide freshly squeezed this or organic that or to ensure the child has a certain something every day.

AnotherJoe

Alikay wrote: »

We didn't expect any money for food when we took our kids' friends away with us, but it was nice if they offered to pay for an ice-cream for us all or similar. Asking them to pay for their own entrance to theme parks or activities seems reasonable though.

Though it may not cost much more, eg a family ticket for 2A 2C maybe not much more than 2A 1C, and the OP would have been paying for 2 children anyway.

getmore4less

Should have outlined what you were planning to the kids parents as part of the can he come.

hi we are going to cornwall for a week will be eating out a couple of evenings at a local pub and visiting X, Y, Z(anywhere with fees even say what they are) the rest of the time will be hanging out in the self catering place/beach etc.

Do you think your Johny would like to come?
At least they then have an idea you will be spending money and can offer if they feel like it.

oystercatcher

You should just take what is offered, you invited extra child as a favour for your child. The other childs family may not have spare cash for unexpected entertainments and eating out. Presumably this is all within your holiday budget.

Can you imagine the post from the other family ...... my son has been invited to go away with his best friends family and now they want £XX to pay for his trips out and we are on a really tight budget this summer.

On the other hand they may have plenty spare and be glad their child is off to have fun and donate you a nice amount to help.....

maman

I'd definitely not ask for any money. It's as if you're making money out of your boy's friend when presumably your DD would have gone for free.


Make it clear to the boy's mum before you go, perhaps agree with her an amount of pocket money you both intend to give your DSs, otherwise she might give her DS a hefty amount for eating out etc. and when you don't want it from him he'll just splash it on rubbish.

SandC

When I went away with a friend as a teen my folks gave me some spends and told me to treat them to afternoon tea and cakes or lunch at least once. They declined but I'm sure they were glad I offered.

I'm with the others, just ask your friend to make sure their son has enough pocket money - which will no doubt cover some of the costs you have in mind but the boys might be off on their own a fair bit and will need some cash for lunches etc.

getmore4less

You could ask the mum do we need to keep an eye on his pocket money spending so it lasts the week or is he sensible?

enthusiasticsaver

I would not be asking for food money or even meals out as you invited him and he is doing you a favour by keeping your son company. I also would cover entrance fees to amusement parks.

I would just tell your friend to give him spending money and leave it to her. If she offers extra (I would) then accept gracefully.

balletshoes

Mojisola wrote: »

If I was the parent of the other child, I'd expect to cover his costs for entrance fees for days out and his personal spending and probably offer something for his food (but as the inviting parent I wouldn't accept the food money offer).

I would too.