A mum has been surprised to learn, weeks after accepting the invite, that she is expected to attend the birthday party of her son's friend, paying "£25 for the privilege".
According to this mum, the party is due to take place this coming Sunday at an activity centre with a climbing wall, with the kids heading for some food afterwards.
Taking to Mumsnet, the surprised mother explained that they accepted the invitation some weeks back, and have already bought a present and card.
However, she was left a little taken aback after being sent an unexpected message from the birthday child's parent less than one week before the big day.
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Calling upon her fellow mums for advice, she said: "We've been sent a message yesterday from birthday child's parent last night which says that all children under eight must be supervised by an adult each, which is ok with me I don't mind staying (would rather not, but it's not the end of the world) but that in order to stay and supervise we have to buy a full-price adults ticket, which costs £25!"
Wondering whether this was a "usual" request - especially when made so close to the big day - the slightly peeved parent admitted that "it seems a bit of a cheek to me!"
In the comments, she went on to explain that it is "only a small party" of maybe eight or so children. All of the kids are under the age of eight, except for the birthday child, meaning "all parents will have to stay and pay".
She added: "I suspect most parents were planning on staying regardless as they're quite young but I don't think anyone would have expected to fork out £25 for the privilege!"
Many commenters completely understood her reservations, with one user even advising that she would "call the place myself and check", adding "if true I would withdraw and do something else instead."
Another confessed they'd "be pretty shocked by that!" wondering whether the parent has only just realised the cost or if it's a case of poor communication from the venue.
They added: "Whenever we've been to birthday parties at soft play/leisure centres/activities etc., the cost of supervising and running the activity is covered by the parents, it's part of the party cost in my opinion".
Have you experienced a similarly frustrating parenting dilemma? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
