To think you cater for kids at a kids party?

[FairfaxAikman]

Was at a party for one of DS's nursery friends.
Parents are well off so I don't think it was a money issue.
Party in a leisure centre hall with a bouncy castle and proper paid entertainment for the kids - but no food! (Unless you count a single packet of crisps).
DS had only had a very light lunch as he'd fallen asleep for an hour before we went and I was expecting him to fill up on party food anyway.
All the kids were bombing about and clearly a lot of other parents had thought there would be food as their kids were obviously hungry.
No place near that we could have snuck out for a supermarket sandwich for them.
AIBU to think you feed the kids at a birthday party?

You've all stressed me out enough that I started a thread about what to serve, if you have strong views on the topic please weigh in:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/a3675491-About-this-toddler-party-food-menu

No wonder kids here so fat. Party started after lunch at 1pm. Cake is plenty of food.
I think you are ALL BU to expect tons junk food after lunch.
@Azeema100% agree with u there, kids these days eat too much

Kids go to a few parties a year. Did you not have birthday parties growing up?

1-4pm party I would say not a meal but snacks and cake at least

I’d expect food at a kids oarty. Did the parents throwing the party think it was included perhaps?

There was always food at kids parties in the late 70's/80's when I was growing up.

@stayathomer yes i did, but kids these days just sit at home on their ipads

TeacherDeMFL Some kids do( honestly a lot don't, they do sports or play), but generally at a party there's lots of running about anyway and it's only a few times a year. Our parties used to be jelly tots, Smarties, crisps and buns and fizzy drinks and it didn't do us any harm!!

honestly a lot don't, they do sports or play

I've been to quite a few children's parties, including with sports and play, and none of them was lacking in some food in addition to cake.

At least I hope they offer something to drink!

It depends on the type of party and the timing. If it doesn't run over a meal time it's fine not to include it. But I think I would make clear if I wasn't including food and say eg there will only be a snack of cake and fruit or something similar.

Such entitlement on this thread..

It's not entitlement at all.
Food has been served at every kids party I've ever been to so it's fair to expect it.

@Yeahnahmum
I agree

@Yeahnahmum - it isn't entitlement, it's the cultural norm, all anyone is saying is that you deciding not to provide food can cause other parents unexpected issues. If you can't afford the food then just don't throw a kids party for little ones (1/2/3yo won't care if they just get an extra playground trip instead), and a bunch of jam or cheese sandwiches at a party at home with a small chea p event (e.g. playground trip or woodland treasure hunt you set up) wouldn't cost much for older kids, just be a bit inventive. At the very least be clear and avoid mealtimes in the party timing e.g. "2pm-4pm party, only cake and squash supplied for kids".

DD went to a couple of parties where due to the activity there was only a snack, not a whole lunch/tea, but we were advised of that in advance. Never ever been to kids party with no food at all!

I've seen it all on MN now.

Expecting some food at a children's party as entitlement! FFS.

It’s not a party without those iced party rings.

Not sure because I always made sure I was at least a universe away from. Such horror

I’ve never known a kid’s party without food regardless of the time it’s held.

Never been to one without food!

Definition of party from internet ( I know you cant always believe what you read!): a social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment.

That's right stayathomer, they should have provided a few cans of lager and some pork scratchings :-).

Lweji, loved your post!

I'd expect food at a party whether for children or adults as early as possible and then be there for you to pick at.

I went to a wedding where the buffet wasn't served for six hours after the ceremony. I last ate at breakfast at 9am. I stopped drinking because I was going to fall over or slump in a corner. Others coped so maybe it was just me.

When the food came it was wonderful, everything you could want and no expense spared, but I was so hungry I couldn't appreciate it. I wolfed it down and then got so tired I wanted to go to bed.

Entitled is such a Mumsnet word, isn't it Lweji? Right up there with grabby.

Regardless of the time - throwing a party should include food. Even if it’s just some sausage rolls and finger sandwiches

Some people shouldn’t throw parties if they can’t do it properly. If they could afford to spend so much money on everything else why couldn’t they save a budget for food ?

Starting at 1pm definitely, 3-5 just crisps, fruit and cake

That said I went to an adult party (think adults plus kids) that said anytime after 5pm, asked host if we could contribute something eg dessert and was told no (I usually refuse food offers because I like to work out a menu so wasn't suspicious), on arrival bowls of crisps, again fine, by 7 we are looking at our hosts who were showing no sign of progressing to the kitchen, out of earshot (possibly within) kids starting to say they are hungry to various parents, among ourselves speculation of pizza perhaps, yum ... 8pm no food, crying kids, by 8.30 we all left for local McDonald's! Some people are odd. Nobody eats dinner before 5pm