AIBU to say no water pistols in October?

[Scoobidoo]

My DS is turning 8 next week and we’ve asked 4 school friends over to play cricket in neighbour’s field followed by food. If it’s wet they’ll watch a film instead. All good.

On Wednesday one DM messaged me offering to lend me water pistols so the boys could play with them. I thanked her and declined.

On Thursday she responded that the boys could wear water proofs and a water fight would be fun. I responded that DS was looking forward to playing cricket.

Yesterday she replied again saying her DS hadn’t had a party because of lockdown and he really wanted to bring the water pistols.

I haven’t responded. I do feel sorry for her DS but I don’t want to deal with 5 cold soaking wet DC, and my DS loves cricket. I’m also slightly irritated that she is being so pushy, I don’t know her well but our DC are friends. AIBU or should I let him bring them?

Yanbu but the water pistols will arrive!

This reminds me of the super soaker thread from 2007!

Say no! If she wants to have a water pistol party for her DS, she can. This is YOUR DS' birthday. What's wrong with people?

YANBU water pistols in October is massively impractical. She’s also spectacularly missing the point that your sons party isn’t about what her DS wants.

On one level I have no issues with a water pistol, on another level it,s not summer and soaking wet kids won,t be fun. One small water pistol is one thing 5 wanting a water fight is another.

Water pistols in October with waterproofs is a perfectly good idea, but it’s not for you to organise and supervise it for her. She should host the activity another time.

Who does she think she is, changing the activities planned for the party? Cheeky item. It's neither here nor there that her son didn't get to have a water pistol party, move on. This is your son's party. When the water pistols inevitably arrive just say firmly, oh we won't be needing those, thank you, we're playing cricket/watching a film. The cheek of some people. Does she think your son's party has become a shared one with her son?!

@IHeartKingThistle
Exactly what I thought when I read this. Was it really 2007?
It’s your DS’s party. No water pistols.

@Ginisatonic actually thinking about it it was probably more like 2009, I joined after I had DS so that would fit and it was the first big AIBU thread I came across. It was brilliant!

Why does she not just invite them all over to hers on a different day and let them play with the water pistols , just tell her that . If anyone turns up with a water pistol just take them away and give them back at the end of the party .

YANBU. Like a PP said, if her DS wants a water pistol party then she’s free to arrange another event for another day. And my first thought was also the super soaker thread!

Water pistols a red herring. It’s your event and bloody rude to hijack and change it! Like you having a tennis party and guest insists you play croquet and brings a set. Not on! She can do this session herself if she’s that bothered

The answer is NO, make that clear to her, it's not about her son, it's about yours, it's his birthday.
Make it clear to her he cannot bring the pistols. You could also add politely, if he does not want to play cricket or watch the film if weathers bad, and he does not wish to come, could she let you know, and you could invite someone else.
I rally cannot believe she is so arrogant, it's now down to you to make sure she understand the situation.

@Ohtherewearethen

Who does she think she is, changing the activities planned for the party? Cheeky item. It's neither here nor there that her son didn't get to have a water pistol party, move on. This is your son's party. When the water pistols inevitably arrive just say firmly, oh we won't be needing those, thank you, we're playing cricket/watching a film. The cheek of some people. Does she think your son's party has become a shared one with her son?!

Totally agree with this. I love a water pistol fight but it's not what your son wants. If he brings it with him I'd be handing straight back, no apologies

Cheeky AF.

This is your sons party. Not hers.

Undoubtedly, the water pistols will turn up anyway. But just take them and put them off to one side with a cheery, "it's not really warm enough for that! Have fun playing cricket!"

Yes. I would go back ‘Water pistols aren’t going to work but if you’d like to arrange a session at your house another time that would be great.’

@IHeartKingThistle

This reminds me of the super soaker thread from 2007!

Say no! If she wants to have a water pistol party for her DS, she can. This is YOUR DS' birthday. What's wrong with people?

OMG that super soaker OP must be at it again!

Thanks everyone I’ve messaged her:

Sorry about that but [my son’s name] is having a cricket party. Please don’t bring water pistols. Why not have a belated water fight party at yours for [name of her son]?

A bit more direct than I’d usually be but hopefully that’s sorted it! Thanks for reassuring me that I wasn’t going mad and shouldn’t change the party. xx

PS
Does anyone have a link to the old super soaker thread?

So, why does she think it's up to her to plan activities for YOUR child's birthday event? It's not your fault that HER child couldn't have a party, and if she wants to make it up to him, she's perfectly free to have her water party at her house at another time.

If the water pistols arrive with him, put them somewhere safe until he gets picked up.

You're absolutely right, it's really not the weather for it!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_classics/569630-super-soaker-etiquette-at-parties

Presume it's this one

@Scoobidoo I’m Northern Irish. That response is positively tame.

British speak - always makes me chuckle.

Mind you the kids will love it

That's brilliant @Piglet89

Nothing wrong with water fight in october wearing waterproofs just like there's nothing wrong with playing chess or football but it isn't the party you've organised. If she wants to organise a particular party for her son she should arrange it.