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To ask about allergies at a birthday party?

38 replies

Lindaful · 02/01/2025 14:14

My 5 year old is having a birthday party this month. Should I be directly asking the parents of the children invited if there are any allergies, or would you assume if a child has an allergy then the parent would inform me when RSVP'ing?

It hasn't really crossed my mind until now in the rush to get the invites out before the Christmas break. I used an invite provided by the party place that didn't mention allergies.

OP posts:
KerryBlues · 02/01/2025 14:36

Well, you said nobody ever asks, as though they should. Why would they?

Rickrolypoly · 02/01/2025 14:33

KerryBlues · 02/01/2025 14:27

But it's totally on you to provide the information, not on the host to ask.

Yes, I didnt say otherwise?

KerryBlues · 02/01/2025 14:27

Rickrolypoly · 02/01/2025 14:25

I have a child with coeliac disease and also a nut allergy. Nobody every asks and I always bring food for them as even if they say they will cater, I don't always trust that they will.

But it's totally on you to provide the information, not on the host to ask.

Rickrolypoly · 02/01/2025 14:25

I have a child with coeliac disease and also a nut allergy. Nobody every asks and I always bring food for them as even if they say they will cater, I don't always trust that they will.

StarDolphins · 02/01/2025 14:21

I’ve never asked in the 8 years of parties. I just assume they’d tell me. I would if my child had an allergy.

Newuser75 · 02/01/2025 14:21

I would always ask. But then I have a child with allergies and would always tell the host and see if I need to provide food .

SquigglePigs · 02/01/2025 14:20

I always ask. It's not on the invite but when a parent messages me to say their kid can come to the party I reply with something like "That's great, DD will be pleased. Does X have any dietary requirements?"

Really easy and no room for confusion then. I've got a rough idea these days for her closest friends and am pretty lucky that it's just a couple of the kids are vegetarian and a couple halal. Much more straightforward than my friends (celiac, dairy intolerant, vegetarian and vegan amongst them!)!

TwattyMcFuckFace · 02/01/2025 14:18

I'd ask but having said that, if any kid ends up eating something they shouldn't, that's not my responsibility.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 02/01/2025 14:17

I would normally ask when acknowledging RSVPs, but IME people are usually good at letting you know.

KerryBlues · 02/01/2025 14:16

I always assumed they'd tell me, if necessary? Wouldn't you, if you had a child with allergies?

itsmeits · 02/01/2025 14:15

Where is the party?
Your house or at a venue?
I found parents of kids with allergies tend to get in touch

Octonaut4Life · 02/01/2025 14:15

Best to ask as it helps to remind people! If you haven't then just follow up when people RSVP.

Jellycatspyjamas · 02/01/2025 14:15

I would ask, most parents will tell you but there’s always one who doesn’t think to say.

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