A mum has hit back at parents who drop off siblings to birthday parties even though they are not invited.
As she planned for her son's birthday, the mum is stressing over other parents wanting to drop off siblings as well as the invited guests. As the birthday party is set to be expensive at £30 a head for the activity, she took to Mumsnet to ask how she could politely let the parents know that only the invited child is allowed.
The mum wrote: For DS's [dear son] birthday next month he wants to go to a particular place that cost almost £30 per child for the activity and food afterwards. I've told him he can invite 10 friends along, I seriously couldn't afford any more.
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"Trouble is, at most of the parties he's attended in the past since starting school, I've noticed so many of the mums from his circle of friends to bring along ALL their kids, even when not invited. It's like it's free childcare of something, or just because they can't leave them at home (understandable I suppose for single parents without help etc).
"But I'm adamant I don't want this happening at my son's party. Why should I end up paying several more £30 for the sake of mums who do this?
"Anyone being in similar situations? How do I word it politely but FIRMLY on the invitations that the invites are for the NAMED FRIEND ONLY, no siblings or other add-ons?"
The post quickly gathered attention with hundreds suggesting how the mum should respond.
One said: "Just don’t add them when you get there? Just smile and tell them what time to collect or point them in the direction of the nearest soft play or cafe"
Another replied: "Don't pay for them then. If they ask if they can bring siblings, or bring them, tell them they will need to pay for them to attend themselves. That's pretty standard for that kind of party. Offer that they can "drop and go" so they aren't forced to stick around."
One suggested writing: "We have booked the event per person. Please let me know ASAP if your child can attend, and please feel free to drop/collect your child as there is no space in the booking for siblings."
"Definitely put it on the invitation in big letters and be crystal clear in your wording. if you dance around it, it will only cause confusion," a fourth interjected.
"I really wouldn’t want extras even paid for themselves it detracts eg if son and his mates are doing x activity - laser tag, climbing etc and there’s a younger sibling butting into group and can’t keep up," a fifth piped up.
And another said she was overreacting: "I think you're overreacting. Nobody turns up to an event and expects the parent of the birthday child to pay for siblings to get in as well."
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