Should I lie about his age for free admission?

TiaLomax754

It's my son's 3rd birthday in a couple of weeks. I'm taking him to an attraction.

It's free for under 3s, but adult price at 3 upwards. Money is tight, but after a tough few months between lockdown and his father moving out after our split, I want to do something nice for him.
As there is no inherent difference in what he'll get from the experience the day before his birthday and on the day of his birthday, should I lie to just buy him a 2 year old ticket?

I can't take him the day earlier due to work (I did consider this already).

Fireflyaway

I'm guessing you feel awkward about lying or you wouldn't be asking. I'm certain many people do give incorrect ages as these places can be so expensive. The main worry is the child suddenly announcing their age! I could understand if you did, but in my opinion if you do, don't tell your child. Don't encourage them to lie or pretend they are younger. It's not their burden to carry.
Could you buy it online in advance? That way he will be 2 when you make the purchase?! 

Mojisola

Won't he be excited about it being his birthday and tell everyone that he's now three?

[Deleted User]

 What type of lesson will You be teaching your child by doing that? 

Socajam

Either you can afford to take him at age or you cannot.
From your question, it seems that you cannot - problem solved

maman

Mojisola said:

Won't he be excited about it being his birthday and tell everyone that he's now three?

This happened to us at Euro disney. We weren't trying to evade anything as had already paid relevant fees but I remember DGD being very proud of being 3, telling everyone and the characters wishing her happy birthday was a give away. 😁
To answer OP's question, personally I'd pay to demonstrate right from wrong. 

kingfisherblue

TiaLomax754 said:

It's my son's 3rd birthday in a couple of weeks. I'm taking him to an attraction.

It's free for under 3s, but adult price at 3 upwards. Money is tight, but after a tough few months between lockdown and his father moving out after our split, I want to do something nice for him.
As there is no inherent difference in what he'll get from the experience the day before his birthday and on the day of his birthday, should I lie to just buy him a 2 year old ticket?

I can't take him the day earlier due to work (I did consider this already).

If you can't afford to take him at the correct price, do something different. It doesn't have to cost much. At three, your son will enjoy spending time with you, and something as simple as a picnic in the park is fun. If you want to do something a bit more special, find something that you can afford. If you lie, you'll probably feel guilty and won't enjoy yourself as much. Your son might pick up on that. It's just not worth it.

nicechap

TiaLomax754 said:

It's my son's 3rd birthday in a couple of weeks. I'm taking him to an attraction.

It's free for under 3s, but adult price at 3 upwards. Money is tight, but after a tough few months between lockdown and his father moving out after our split, I want to do something nice for him.
As there is no inherent difference in what he'll get from the experience the day before his birthday and on the day of his birthday, should I lie to just buy him a 2 year old ticket?

I can't take him the day earlier due to work (I did consider this already).

Why did you copy & paste a thread from mumsnet about a drunk colleague on a business trip (now deleted)?  is this another copied dilemma to wind up MSE posters?

elsien

_shel said:

 What type of lesson will You be teaching your child by doing that? 

The 2/3 year old will neither know nor care.
The 7 year old daughter may be a different story. Will she be there as well?
Don't most attractions have a child rate between the free and the adult rate? 

strawb_shortcake

nicechap said:

TiaLomax754 said:

It's my son's 3rd birthday in a couple of weeks. I'm taking him to an attraction.

It's free for under 3s, but adult price at 3 upwards. Money is tight, but after a tough few months between lockdown and his father moving out after our split, I want to do something nice for him.
As there is no inherent difference in what he'll get from the experience the day before his birthday and on the day of his birthday, should I lie to just buy him a 2 year old ticket?

I can't take him the day earlier due to work (I did consider this already).

Why did you copy & paste a thread from mumsnet about a drunk colleague on a business trip (now deleted)?  is this another copied dilemma to wind up MSE posters?

Bingo 
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3969347-To-lie-about-his-age-for-free-admission

MalMonroe

Don't lie. Now or ever.