No party food or drink provided

[ImaMumtoaboy]

So my ds(11) went to a football party yesterday. The minute we got in the car he asked to go the shop for a drink as he was so thirsty.
Party was at the local astro pitch, party room included that has 2 ovens, hob, 2 toasters, 2 microwaves and 2 fridges. Most parents bring in frozen pizzas and chips and cook them or order in pizzas.
Kids were running around for 2 hours in hot weather they were not offered any drinks during that time.
He said in the "party room" they got 1 small bottle of water (250ml) and a small slice of birthday cake. They only went into the room 10 minutes before I arrived to collect him.
When I went in the mother was packing up the cake which looked like there was about 3/4's left. I thought the kids must have had enough food that they didnt want cake. And parents cleaned up very quickly. Kids were all quiet(14 11/12 yr old boys) who are normally very loud at parties. Kids were just sitting waiting to be collected.Turns out they got a very very skinny slice, described by ds as thinner then a slice of bread.
Ended up bringing him to Mcdonalds as a treat and we seen 2 other parents of kids that were at the same party getting their kids food.

I would add that I have said to parents I’m only doing snacks when the party is at the trampoline place because they’d just want to trampoline for the entire time and the food just got wasted. So I’d just have some snacks and they could run over to them as they wanted to.

I'd love my DC to go to a party like this, an afternoon of fun and not a weird meal at a weird time. However, I'd like to know in advance, so he could have some lunch.
He'd obviously bring his own water bottle anyway (unless he forgot it), I'd also likely have water in the car in hot weather like this.

2 hours without drink, I agree.

But without food??

Indeed. How can you be sure they burned off enough calories for a bread width slice of cake in two hours? I'd not risk it.

Sarcastically said. MN is loopy

They were in a place that came with a kitchen! It really wouldn’t have been that expensive to at least provide squash for the kids and a few frozen pizzas.

if you can’t afford to have a party then don’t have one!

Parents should have sent them with a water bottle and a banana. Standard for football.

They might have had to pay more to use the kitchen.

And why should their kid miss out?

We aren't all made of money. That kid might have loved his party with his mates.

If they can’t afford jugs of squash and home made sandwiches they could unlikely afford the party, nevermind the sports gear required.

Re portion size of cake. Seriously - read the packet next time you buy a ready made cake - the portion sizes will be small.

A football?

What time was it?

I'd expect free flowing water as a minimum (from a tap is fine!) but if it was say 10-12 I would excel t more than snacks and cake

Oh ffs, we have an almond parent in our presence 🤣

They don’t need water either, especially as its very expensive!

I know they dont have to provide food but honestly most kids expect it.
It was from 12 to 2 so over lunchtime.
The invitation said birthday party.
They could have easily mentioned there was no food or drinks been provided.
They moved to the area about 2 years ago and their son has been to enough parties that has provided food and drinks.
My ds said 1 of the kids asked for more cake and was told no.

Food isn't necessarily part of an activity party. But jugs of unlimited squash I would consider essential

For 11 year olds, depending on the time a snack is fine IMO but definitely should have been more drinks.

The timing is key! 10-12 I wouldn’t expect food, 3- 5 I would!

Footballs are around £10-20, then you need boots, socks, shorts, shirt, possibly gloves (if you’re goalie) and shin pads. All more expensive than a loaf of bread, spread, ham and a bit of lettuce to feed ten children.

🙄

I agree. They should have served a massive salad and two dark squares of chocolate as a treat for dessert.

Per use?

Or perhaps they couldn't afford it.

Not ideal, although, if my dc were going to a football party, I'd have sent them with a water bottle as well.

You really think someone who can happily spend £10 on a football and the associated kit can’t afford to make sandwiches? I take you think the family will live on nothing but cake, as clearly they can’t even afford sandwiches to feed themselves.