Pay to attend party?

belfastgirl23

This is interesting. In the past parties were always held at home (I know mine were in the late 70s early 80s) and there was no possibility of going out. Then going out became a bit of a thing but because it was 'instead of' parents hosting a party in their own house they were expected to pay for it. I have to be honest and say with pretty much all the parents I know this is still the case. But maybe this is the first move onwards from this model??

I agree with rovers and jo-b, you don't want to set a precedent unless the child is really important to your child. I'd just find something else that needs done that day and not be able to go.

chattycathy1674

Def a 'thanks but no thanks' to this one!

How old are the children?

For us..theme park trips are for family times or school trips not little kids parties!
And when one has one, it often starts the ball rolling and they all want their parties at the same place!
Personally I wouldn't get into this one.
Tell your son (if he asks) that you don't feel a theme park is suitable for young children's parties, especially without their parents....Or is that going to be the next 'ask'....Parents paying for themselves to go along also to help supervise?

Maybe take your son out for that day somewhere nice instead of the party.

Cathy
X0X0X

hannoja

Thank you all for your replies. I'm glad it's not just me being a miserable moo!

I now have to come up with a cunning plan to get out of this without upsetting/offending anyone.. _pale_

Elliesmum

I wouldn't expect to pay for my child to attend a party and in fact I am shouldering the cost of my little girl's (who started reception last September) endless party invites.

She's been to 10 parties since the start of the school year and it's costing me on average £10 a time once you take into consideration the present, wrapping and card. Yes I do it as MSE as possible, but still you can't send total rubbish as a present (well I can't sorry) and I feel it's important for her to attend at this age as it's part of her social development.

I will be paying out £200 for her party at the beginning of next month. I'm going for the very little parental involvement, chuck money at it style as I will be 8 months pregnant and just feel it will be easier for me to pay one of these softplay places to do everything for me.

Are they expecting you to be buying a present as well? I really hope this is not the way it's going round here as I would have to start saying no to her attending these little gatherings.

EM xx

princesspoppypop

jo_b wrote: »

Personally, unless it was his 'best friend' I wouldn't let my son go! I know that sounds really mean but I couldn't justify spending that much just to attend the party and it then sets a precedent for other parents!

I presume you'd also be expected to buy a present too!? I think it is really, really cheeky to expect other parents to fork out that much money!!!

Totally agree with what you are saying here.

It is a difficult one though.

When I was little, my Mum always did "at home parties", with a few party games and a nice tea with jelly and ice cream. Everyone totally loved it, she would make everything herself, little cakes, mini pizzas etc.


It seems today children expect more and more....

It must be hard for you as you are put in an awkward position... Does your son really want to go to this party?

SSB

Hi
I think it is very rude to expect the guests to pay for the party, it shows no consideration for those who might not be able to afford to pay. Anyway, I would not expect to pay for a party if I'm the guest and would not dream to ask any of my children's guests to pay either.

Bun

I too would say no if I couldn't afford it, but if it is the whole day that you get to yourself without beign detrimental to anything else if could be considered better value for money than buying a present for a two hour stretch. I would worry about it setting a precedent though, and also how many parents would be superviisng and the travel arrangements.
I try to pick up cheap cards and presents throughout the year (Asda baby doll kits at £3.97, DVDs and books from book people etc) so you get something that looks worth more than it is. A friend told me the £5 rule and this seems to be accepted round here. It also means if you don't have parties yourself you don't really 'owe' anybody. I am going to have a party for my son this year (his birthday weekend was the only free one out of about four or five and I really felt it wouldn't be appreciated before now),but as we live in a small flat without room for games we are stuck if the weather is bad, so I will do something elsewhere. It is all very well having at home parties but the friends I have who do this have 3/4 bed large houses and have the room. Not everybody else can accomodate this. STill wouldn't sting everyone for £15 though - I would pay for everything myself.

belfastgirl23

One thing to add - I'd get my apologies in FAST because I'd bet a lot of other parents will feel the same as you. In your shoes I'd just organise a trip to see gran (or whoever) and imply that it's for some sort of occasion without directly lying ...

mamamia

As old as I am, I would not attend anybody's birthday party if I have to pay to go. Why would a parent throw a party at the expense of their LOs guests if they can not afford it. Honestly, I would not let any of my children go to such 'pay to come' party even if I win the lottery.

geekgirl

It is very cheeky. If you are skint you downsize.

I always did my kids parties at home. They were great fun and their friends always had a great time.