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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Kids party

34 replies

WorriedAboutRae · 27/01/2026 09:11

Yesterday DS (7) had a birthday party. It was a really cute wooden craft one where the kids get a simple woodwork project each, which they build and then decorate, and get to keep. They only got one project each which the staff explained at the beginning (any more need to be paid for).

DS invited a new friend (let’s call him Dave) who I hadn’t met before and he came across as pretty rude. Later on, Dave asked if he could do a robot as well as the car he’d started. I explained that no, everyone does just one thing, just finish the one you’ve chosen. He then waited until I was distracted, went and helped himself to another kit, and started working on it before any adults noticed. Dave was really rude when another parent went to speak to him about it.

I’m picking up the finished pieces from the workshop this week. AIBU to not give Dave the robot when I hand them out? My family said I should absolutely not let him have both, but my friend said that I may as well let him, since I have had to pay for it anyway. If he had been polite and it was a genuine mistake then I wouldn’t have minded so much.

AIBU to only give the original kit out?

OP posts:
Aquarius91 · 27/01/2026 09:39

Absolutely not. It’s rewarding bad behaviour. CF junior!! His reaction to being told off by another parent tells me all I need to know about Dave’s behaviour in general.

SecretHappiness · 27/01/2026 09:36

Cheeky sod. As PP said it’s essentially stolen and you’ve had to pay for it. If his parents are brazen enough to ask just tell them you not handling stolen goods 😂

(frankly I wouldn’t even pick it up, yes pay for it but would leave it there and ask the shop if they would kindly dispose of it for you)

Jk987 · 27/01/2026 09:30

Not the point but I’m laughing at calling a 7 yr old called Dave! Anyway Dave’s probably forgotten about it or won’t care if he gets the robot or not. Don’t give it and if there’s there’s any comeback cross that bridge when you come to it.

TartanMammy · 27/01/2026 09:30

Yanbu.

Were Dave's parents there? I would mortified if my child did that and insist on paying for it. Child would also be told how unacceptable that behaviour is

Reminds me of when I took DS and group of friends age 5 to McDonald's after trampolining for birthday treat. We were on a tight budget and I'd planned for happy meals and mcflurries. One child insisted happy meals were for babies (they were 5!) and he wanted an adult meal. He cried when I said no we're having happy meals today and his mum was pissed off at me and said 'well you could have just got him it' . But then I'd have to get that for all the boys and it would have more than doubled the cost!

HopelesslyWanderingStar · 27/01/2026 09:24

Keep it to one side, if Dave or his parents inquire about it you can say that they can have it but they will need to cover the cost. Don't know if you feel comfortable saying that though!
I'm not sure what I would do... maybe just give the first one (as then all the children get the one they did), rather than 2 which is what Dave will get.

Seeline · 27/01/2026 09:20

If he/parents queries where it is, just say he can have it if they pay the extra.

CloakedInGucci · 27/01/2026 09:20

No I wouldn’t give it to him. You essentially have had to pay for something he stole.

Ablondiebutagoody · 27/01/2026 09:18

Don't give it to him. Dave sounds like an arse.

Trittery · 27/01/2026 09:14

I wouldn't give it to him out of spite, but I'm very aware that that sort of behaviour is a huge trigger for me so maybe others would be more gracious.