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AIBU?

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Is this a weird thing for the mum to write on a party invitation?

34 replies

Amitooldforcbeebies · 29/03/2026 10:39

For context, we live abroad

Dd was invited to a classmates 8th birthday party. It’s in a soft play type place (big slides etc) its 3 hours long
On the Whatsapp invitation she said parents are of course invited too as they of course have an important role to play in the party too
Does anyone find this weird?
We always go to the birthday parties and haven’t dropped and left…yet, was hoping it would be soon though

Never had this said on an invitation before though, is this another way of saying parents have to stay?

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 29/03/2026 11:00

It's unusual phrasing, but not really thread worthy.

Bombombomtralala · 29/03/2026 10:58

It’s good that she recognises that she won’t be able to supervise every attendee and has asked the parents to stay.
I don’t really understand what’s odd about asking.
If you don’t want to go you could just say.

catipuss · 29/03/2026 10:49

If anything happens they can say they suggested parents stay, so if someone gets a bump on the head you can't sue them? Does the place have a requirement for a ratio of adults to children?

Ella31 · 29/03/2026 10:45

I think it's a indirect way of saying you need to watch your own kid.

HoraceCope · 29/03/2026 10:44

it does sound like you are expected to help

Overtheatlantic · 29/03/2026 10:42

I think soft play for 8 year olds is outside the norm? But otherwise it sounds like they were just giving permission for the parents who want to stay and supervise their children?

AnneLovesGilbert · 29/03/2026 10:42

Just sounds like she wants people to supervise their kids as it’s a busy active type of party.

LamentableShoes · 29/03/2026 10:42

It would be weird where I'm from (UK) but presumably some things are different where you are?

Maybe they couldn't think of a polite way of saying "please don't drop and run" so worded it like that. Unless they're thinking they want organised games at the end etc?

Some of my friends' kids parties have got some of the adults involved a bit but usually when they're good friends anyway.

NewYearNewMee · 29/03/2026 10:41

I am guessing it’s worded that way as she can’t keep an eye on all of the children for 3 hours in a soft play centre, so needs parents there to make sure there’s an appropriate ratio of parents to kids?