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01st Mar 2022

Mum expects me to pay to attend her child’s birthday party- is this fair?

Kat O'Connor

Is this a little cheeky?

Birthday parties are not cheap. Seriously, have you ever tried to host a Frozen-themed birthday party? It ain’t cheap.

We’re all doing our best to save a few quid here and there. The last thing we need is additional expenses that could be avoided.

One mum was pretty mad when her son’s friend’s parents said she had to pay to attend his party.

She explained that the party is at an activity place. However, children under 8 have to be supervised by adults. This means the mum has no choice but to attend.

However, she wasn’t expecting the hefty price tag that comes with this catch.

She told Mumsnet the boy’s parents expect all adults to pay £25 to attend.

We couldn’t think of 101 things we’d sooner spend £25 on.

She wrote, “It is at an activity place with a climbing wall then food afterward. I accepted the invitation weeks ago. I’ve even bought a card and gift etc.”

“We’ve been sent a message yesterday from birthday child’s parent last night which says that all children under 8 must be supervised by an adult each.

“This is ok with me I don’t mind staying (would rather not, but it’s not the end of the world) but in order to stay and supervise we have to buy a full-price adults ticket, which costs £25!”

“Is this usual? It seems a bit of a cheek to me!” the mum wrote.

One mum agreed and said it was a ridiculous expense.

“Ridiculous, I’d call the venue and ask if this is true first as PP said. If it is, I’d tell them you can’t attend. There’s no way I’d pay £25 to supervise my child at someone else’s birthday party.”

Another mum said parents usually cover these costs at birthday parties.

What do you think? Do you agree with the mam or is she being a little over the top?