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21st Oct 2023

Dad wants to have son’s birthday party that he can’t even attend

Anna Martin

What would you do if your child couldn’t attend their own birthday party?

Well, that’s what one Mumsnet user wanted to know as she found herself and her husband at odds over the situation.

Posting on the parenting platform she explained what was going on writing, “My son has just started with chickenpox, his 5th birthday party is on Saturday, all booked and paid for as of yesterday when they called me to confirm numbers.

“I can’t believe the timing of this! I said to my husband this morning that we’ll need to cancel and let parents know.”

So far it seems to be disappointing for everyone involved but it was what her other half said next that prompted her to look for opinions.

Birthday

“He suggested we still have the party (it’s soft play) but without our son. Surely this is totally unfair on him? He’s been looking forward to this party for weeks. I’m so gutted for him,” she penned.

“My husband’s logic is that we’ve already paid the balance and other than doing the cake and candles, we should still go ahead and his friends can enjoy soft play and the food without him.

“This makes me really sad though and what if his friends mention it when he’s back at school?  What would you do?’ she concluded.

People were more than happy to share their opinions and it appeared that most people were on the mum’s side.

birthday

“No, I wouldn’t throw a child’s birthday party with the birthday child not attending. Honestly, that would be quite strange,” wrote one.

Another added, “Surely you contact the venue and ask to change the date. At five you cannot have his party without him, that would be beyond awful. Better to cancel and lose the money if there’s no other option. Poor kid.”

While a third said, “Cancel the party. I can understand his logic but no, that still sucks, [son] will be gutted enough, having the party anyway will rub salt into the wounds.”

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