Should I ask to nativity?

[incognito0]

Should I invite close friend to DS's nativity?

My parents are working and unavailable, its not Fils cup of tea and Mil is really unreliable as in hasn't even acknowledged his birthday recently. I'm worried if we do ask she won't turn up and DS will be disappointed as she does it a lot, for example will tell us she's coming round we've told Ds in the past (which we don't do anymore) and she doesn't come and he gets upset.

There's three showings and I'm going to one, dh to another and then there's a spare. I think ds would appreciate the moral support because they're so chaotic and last year at his nursery one he couldn't go through with it and sat on my knee.

Aibu I'm not even wanting to ask because of him being let down, she didn't show to his 1st birthday party even though she'd confirmed she was coming (it wouldn't of been a problem if she'd said she was busy).

Friend on the other hand is reliable, has a close connection with DS and Ds would be delighted for her to come.

Should I just ask MIL and say if you can't do it don't agree to come and that's ok then ask friend??

Just ask your friend.

I wouldn't even ask MIL. Just ask your friend.

Go twice yourself?

Three showings!? Bonkers.

I was thinking of maybe doing that but I have other children to look after and I'm not sure they'd sit through it twice.

Are you allowed to do that? At my son's school it's strictly 2 seats per family plus babies/toddlers on laps.

Definitely ask your friend. Unless ticket numbers are limited I would invite MiL to the same performance DH is going to but don't tell DS so it'll be a nice surprise if she's there. If it's a hassle though I wouldn't even bother with that (it would be a shame for someone else's aunt/uncle/big sister etc to miss out on a ticket for MiL who might not even show). Then ask your friend to the other performance.

3 tickets allocated per family and can be split for one for each performance or all for one etc.

I'm only doing it this way as ds was very nervous last time it's absolutely packed and I want him to feel supported but on the other hand it means I'm taking his sibling twice and i can't guarantee they'll sit through twice.

Siblings do not need tickets btw!

In that case I would definitely ask friend, if she has a good relationship with DS she'll probably be happy to be asked and DS has a friendly face in the audience. Don't waste it on MiL who is unreliable - if she's upset calmly explain the truth as nicely as possible.

Going to all 3 performances?! Am I meant to be doing that? We just get tickets for one!

Well DH asked her and she's said no, no reason given just doesn't want to go.

Ask the friend if you can’t rely on her.
@reallyyy Ours are having 2 performances so DH and I going to one each so he has a friendly face at both (he spent nursery nativities on the teachers lap!) I’m hoping he can brave his own square foot of school hall now he’s at big school!