To say no when asked if sibling can come to party?

I would say no. Other people at the party might have found it easier to bring a sibling too but they weren't cheeky enough to ask. One more child might not make a difference but 6 or 7 older children at a party for 10 three year olds would change it completely. And you can't make an exception for one person and not everybody else.

I would never ask to take a sibling to a party unless it was a babe in arms who wouldn't be joining in.

It’s mean. And you know it otherwise you wouldn’t have posted.

So in this basis as a solo parent my kids would never have been able to go to a party. We always planned to accommodate siblings at parties.

I wonder if the responses thinking she’s a cf are parents with only one child? Most of us with two + children know and understand that this happens and single parents would struggle to get their kids to party’s if they had these restrictions. Most people don’t take the piss and bring kids if they don’t need to. I’ve had parties where siblings have come , their parents just paid the entry fee for the child at a soft play but at a house it’s less of an issue in my opinion. You do realise there are always kids that drop out of parties. You’re lucky she’s asked and replied once they get to school half the people don’t have the courtesy to reply! I would let the child come , you may have to do the same one day.

Also re the stress and being “frantic” parties are as stressful as you make them. Kids are happy just to have company. If your DD suddenly made a new best friend I’m sure you’d find space. I actually like that my DC have some sibling group friends now - makes things easier!

I’d say yes unless it really is inconvenient for you. How much does your child want the original invitee there? Because if you say no to the sibling it’s likely the intended child won’t be there either. Chances are a couple won’t turn up anyway, it’s always the case with parties.

It is actually not my experience that most children have parties.
We have had years when my kids were the only one. They do other things like family trips out etc.
I’m not going to be made to feel Bad for not wanted to cough up a load more money for kids I didn’t invite and who my child doesn’t even know.
Mumsnet always claims that kids shouldn’t have to invite children they don’t like. Why is this different?

please make sure the bouncy castle is secure if there is any wind, do not take chances

Even the most sensible and mature dont realise the risk of bouncy castles in even the tiniest bit of wind

I think it’s fine to say no if you genuinely don’t have room, just expect the DC to not be able to come.

That's so rude. What did you do when you saw her next?

Same. I had 2 slightly older siblings at my DD's 3rd birthday party and they got food and party bags etc and were included in the numbers.

People on MN are weird. What difference will one child make as the parents will be staying. I expect you'll also get both:

• people that don't show (creating extra spaces)

• people that turn up with a sibling anyway as they are staying and don't have childcare.

Actually I agree with this:

“Moveoverdarlin · Today 15:47
I think it’s mean to say no. What difference will one 5 yr old make? A few kids might not turn up. I would just say ‘sure no probs’. The fact it’s in your garden gives you even more flexibility. She probably won’t be able to come now, which I know you don’t mind, but bloody hell, it’s a bit pedantic.”

The mother will be staying anyway and one extra young child won’t really make a difference and might even help a bit. I think this kindness would count for a lot and will cost you less than you think it will.

I would just let the sibling come, we have that at our school, some parents don’t have any childcare, one extra five year old wouldn’t make that much difference. Siblings are always welcome, a lot of parents here travel for work etc so it’s not unusual for one parent have to bring a few kids. People obviously double check if it’s ok. You should never turn up with extra kids without asking first.

As a lone parent of three I don't ask if they can all go I say 'thankyou I'll let you know if I can arrange something for siblings and let you know'
Often they will say to bring them all but it's fine if not.
I also always cater for siblings because I know how hard it is for some.

But anyway, it's a party I would say yes and let them have fun

OP, is your three year old your only child? I only ask because I might once have had the same reaction, but now, with 2 kids to juggle, I get how hard it is to get them both to the parties they've been invited to. I always accommodate siblings wherever I can (and make a point of stating this on invitations). It's different if it's a paid activity per person (although actually we did once accommodate a few siblings for this too), but in your garden, if you CAN help out, then I would. If you have more children, you may be asking the same question in year or two, and a 'no' might mean your child is unable to attend.

This has been me on many occasions because I am usually on my own. Often I’ll ask someone to watch the other child but it’s not always possible. I’ve never had a parent say no.
Numbers aren’t limited. A 5 year old is going to be quite sensible.
I always return the gesture and have siblings at my parties and I always do them party bags!

I wonder if the split in opinions here is those who have only 1 child - most likely preschool age vs those with more than 1 child and who have experienced whole class parties with a more the merrier approach.

I've never minded a few siblings tagging along and always do a few extra party bags in case of extras on the day. But I also normally give out cake and a small bag of sweets to any siblings who haven't attended but arrive at pick up time. It's a really small thing but stops them feeling so left out.

Exactly. Play the long game.

If she turns out to be a CF you can always back away; she may just be a frazzled nice person.

2 weeks is too late to reply to an invitation?? For a garden party? 🤦🏼‍♀️

I'm so glad the people I know IRL are more generous than that.

I agree with this.

I'd say yes without even thinking about it, it's hardly going to make a difference to anything and might just make someone's day easier 🙂

Parents will be supervising their own children and one 5 year old will make no difference. It’s baffling you are debating it.
i have 2 primary DC and in parties like this there are always toddler or elder siblings knocking about. It’s nice! Ive never known a parent not be supportive about it this. We’re all in the same boat and have to get through the endless round of parties together