Party guest list

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I have a 3 year old DS and am about to embark on the wonderful world of children's parties at the end of the year

Decided that a 4th birthday party would be a good idea. It's going to be a paid for (by us) event - pizza party. Numbers not limited

I have a provisional guest list which is made up of some pals from nursery/NCT and siblings. It's around 10 children. 3 will be from his NCT group.

There is one NCT person who I've not seen for ages and I don't particularly gel with - eg our baby was admitted to hospital with sepsis and she never asked how she was but instead spent over 30 minutes telling me about her DS' sore ear. I've just let the friendship drift.

However, I wonder if I'm being a bit mean in not inviting her DS? There will be others from the NCT group there and I don't want to be unkind....DH thinks there's no need. Although DS was invited to her DS' party last year - couldn't attend. Our DS do not attend the same nursery etc so there is no chance that other DC woukd be talking about it in front of him.

I'm normally quite decisive but can't decide what to do - about this very minor issue!

[squoosh]

I'd put your relationship with the child's mother aside. If your son would like to invite this boy I'd invite him. If he's not a particular friend of your son's I wouldn't bother.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

No - not a particular friend at all. They never see each other now, really.

I just didn't want to be a heartless bastard excluding a small child

[Soubriquet]

What sqoosh said.

Parties are for the child not adults. If your son wants the friend there, invite him. If not, don't

[squoosh]

Nah, not heartless at all! Sounds like the friendship has run its course. So I'd let it keep on running

[Mummaaaaaah]

i think excluding one person from a group event is a bit mean. rise above it and invite them.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

OMG - do you all agree with me?! 😳

What is AIBU coming too

To be honest, I don't think the Lord Chamberlein can have anywhere near the same etiquette worries that these blasted parties cause!

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

Ah, welcome mumaaaah

goes back to drawing board

[Soubriquet]

Well if you want a proper AIBU....

Of course yabu!! You will ruin that child's life if he doesn't go to the party. He will never get over it and will need councilling for the rest of his life!!

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I might make it a child-free party!

[Soubriquet]

Why not? Have a few drinks and a boogie. Perfect

[squoosh]

You can have a cardboard cutout of the kids instead of actual kids!

Sounds wonderful.

[Soubriquet]

You could actually play pin the ponytail on the cutout!

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

It's going to be fabulous. I will write a poem requesting cash gifts - for me

We will toast DS and, er, absent friends!

[Soubriquet]

You could do pass the parcel and each layer could have a little miniature bottle of alcohol instead of sweets

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

👍. Am off to consider my guest list!