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RSVP to my 4 year old’s party told me they’re bringing 2yr old sibling

307 replies

Watchespaintdry · 11/11/2025 07:47

We’re doing a 4th bday party at home for my daughter (money is tight hence at home), sent the invites out yesterday specifically addressed to the invited child and one of my friends has responded saying their daughter + 2yr old brother would love to come (she’s worded it to imply they don’t have childcare). So she’s telling me, not asking me, that the brother is coming too. I’ve been to parties before and always asked if if was ok to bring my 2.5yr old son too, due to lack of childcare, and these were soft play parties with no space issues, as it were. If they’d said no I couldn’t, I’d be totally cool and understand.

Thing is, I’m concerned about the space, and that this person will have 2 kids to watch. We’ve only got so much space around the dining table. She was the first to rsvp and now I’m worried other people are gonna bring siblings. I’ve got no problem with the brother, he’s cute and lovely and I love my friend and don’t want to upset her. I’ve invited 11 of my daughter’s friends (mixture of preschool and others) and confident they won’t all be able to come, given party statistics. Should I just suck it up and hope no one else brings siblings? This is the first party I’ve ever hosted.
My 2.5 yr old son will also be there (ofcourse).

OP posts:
JadeSquid · 11/11/2025 07:54

Ive always considered siblings at my kids parties because I live in an area where many people don't have much money and are single parents. Their kids would not be able to attend if I forbade siblings from attending and not every child is right to be left at the party alone.

Watchespaintdry · 11/11/2025 07:53

Oh I wish I’d said no siblings on the invite 😩 lesson learned

OP posts:
FancyCatSlave · 11/11/2025 07:53

Reply and say that you are limited by space and can’t accommodate siblings unfortunately. If she can’t come it doesn’t matter.

I’ve always said yes to siblings when I’ve had space but when we did a limited numbers event party I specified no siblings on the invite.

JustGoClickLikeALightSwitch · 11/11/2025 07:52

Can I add - people shitplopping siblings into parties is my personal bugbear.

ForLoveNotMoney · 11/11/2025 07:51

Say no. Its as simple as that.
Next time, write on the invites it’s for the invited kid only and not siblings.

JustGoClickLikeALightSwitch · 11/11/2025 07:50

"Sorry, we can't accommodate siblings. Looking forward to seeing Mary if you can make it work xx"

Do it now or it will get harder and harder and then just anger you.

NoodlesMcGee · 11/11/2025 07:49

You need to nip this in the bud quickly. Tell your friend that, based on numbers etc, you won’t be able to accommodate the siblings.

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