AIBU to not want to subsidise friends’ children?

[MeanAsBeans]

A friend seems to think that only adults count per head when paying in restaurants. Her 2 are soon to be 9 and 11 and eat more than I do from the adult menu. AIBU to think that the split doesn’t only include adults?

And while we’re on the subject as Spring is getting closer we’ve been discussing trips/outings. A friend of a friend has joined us a few times and more than once has expected others to cover admission fees for her children because “They’re only children”

I don’t have children yet and I’m happy to buy the odd treat for kids l, an ice cream or sweets or similar but I draw the line at regularly covering costs.

AIBU?

My nearest friends grandson is 11. He is taller and weighs more than me. She wouldn't even try that with me.

Paying in a restaurant seems to be quite an issue doesn't it?

Some seem to think it's rude/embarrassing/a faff to just pay for what you eat & drink & let others do the same.

I tend to view it as a "food shop" therefore people pay for their own.

Had arranged a meet up with another school dm. I took 1 dc. She took 2. Split the bill 50/50 and wasn't that bothered.. Next time she brought 3 dc. I didn't eat as couldn't afford to split again. Handed ds a fiver to go order himself some chips instead.. Haven't met her since.

We used to cover kids in close family group until recently (kids are now adults so I initiated stop) but would not be happy if friend assumed this

HAHAHAHAHAHA WHAT CHEEKY FUCKERS!
Theyve got brass balls that’s for sure.
YANBU.

Erm no. I would be bringing cash giving it to her to cover your amount then she can pay card for all of it.

I don't get this at all. Next time, when arrangements start to be made you just tell her 'By the way, I'll just be paying for my food/entry. I can't afford to pay a share of your kids as well". Then you just keep repeating that until her protests stop. Or until she strops off and you've got her out of your life and well rid.

I used to hate that. We got a minibus to the airport, seven adults, and four kids so we had to get a twelve seater which cost a lot more.
Friend divided the bill between the seven adults as the kids had no money, but we were the only couple without children so we subsidised them rest of them.

Fuckery House 😂😂😂😂

Kids that age eat LOADS - it's like adding 2 more adult meals on.

I wouldn't pay for them, nor would I contribute to entry to anything.

You need to laugh in her face and say yes they're kids. YOUR kids. If one of us has to pay for them why the fuck should it be me.

Seriously, tell her straight that she's taking the piss and she knows it.

Surely though if someone says "we'll halve the bill" you say "I'll just pay for what I had thanks"?

Just because children are not wage earners doesn’t mean their parents should get others to pay for them,

I have a friend with twins, I always offer to pay half if we go out as twins are a nightmare cost wise. She very rarely takes me up on it. If she does, she'll pay for lunch or something.

Omg it's absolutely cheeky. No way would I expect my childfree friend to split the bill with me. I pay my kids meals/drinks and my own. I definitely wouldn't expect anyone else up pay for admission to places either. Nip this in the bud now. Next time you either warn her in advance your only paying your own or take out cash to only cover yourself and then when it's mentioned reply" I only have enough cash to cover my own bill. I assumed you would be paying for your own children to eat and drink" then ask for your bill.

@HunterHearstHelmsley

I have a friend with twins, I always offer to pay half if we go out as twins are a nightmare cost wise. She very rarely takes me up on it. If she does, she'll pay for lunch or something.

What is your point? That OP should pay?

I think it's different if someone offers and something else if the other person clearly expects it every time.

Are they identical? Could she pay for one twin, then pop out and bring in the other twin?

YANBU
That's completely unacceptable to subsidise other peoples' children.

What an absolute living piss take. She invites her children to a restaurant with you, they order whatever they want and you pay for their meal? So the Mum only pays for her own personal food? o not allow this to happen again. Just pay for yours and then the waiter will move on to her to pay the rest, unless she is broke and really just wants her children fed for free? If I were you I'd try and meet her alone next time, if you bother with her at all!

It’s 100% different if you are offering to treat someone versus some CF shafting you with the bill

Well children arent actually wage earners. I wouldnt object.

Just because they aren’t wage earners doesn’t mean their parents can offload their costs onto other people!

Adults need to pay for their own kids. Whether it’s for food or an entrance ticket to something
I can’t believe people think other people should subsidise this.

Im also amazed parents aren’t buying ice creams for their own kids

Next time this is expected of you just ask your friends to ask the restaurant to feed them for free or the venue to give them free entry. 🤣🤣🤣

I agree, I think I wasn't clear 😂

I offer and she will pay for lunch if she accepts. Which isn't that often.

That could work at a Pizza Hut buffet, leave one in the car and keep switching them in and out!

😂

Could it be work in Legoland? 🧐