Ignoring an invite or politely declining if your child doesn't want to go?

[Waitingandwondering]

Invited 2 of DD best friend's over as we haven't seen them all summer. No reply from either parent.
A couple of weeks ago, I invited one of these same children, again no reply. They have been friends a good few years so I find the silence unnerving.
I understand perhaps the friendship has moved on, but why ignore the invite? I think a brief thanks but we already have plans would be better than ignoring.

I agree that they should respond. It really annoys me and seems to be a 21st century thing (I am old). They could just say they're having a busy summer.

We have had several birthday parties for our child to which almost no-one bothered to RSVP and I had to chase after the parents. Some said they were coming then didn't turn up on the day, with no explanation.

Yeah they’re being rude

I would and have declined, short polite and simple

It's very rude to just ignore an invite.

Are you sure you have the number right? It's seems odd that you know two such rude people!

Rude

Agree it is rude, and not exactly difficult to reply with the various options you have, if you are too cowardly or nervous to speak to someone.

It's on WhatsApp so can see it's the right number by the photo!

It's very rude of them not to reply.

if the kids don't want to come & they don't want to have to say that to you, then a little white social lie 'sorry we're busy that day, in fact booked out until the end of the holidays! I need them back at school!! Hopefully the kids can find a date they both free this term?!

Can you see if it's been delivered and read?

Very rude to ignore. My DC are older now but it used to really piss me off if we invited one of their friends over or on a day trip with us and I didn't get a reply, meaning that it was difficult to invite someone else along instead and DC ends up missing out on seeing a mate.

Just a quick "thanks so much for the invite but unfortunately we've already got plans" is literally all it takes.

Two blue ticks so I presume so?

Then I've got no more excuses for them! They're seemingly just very rude or very absentminded.

rude!

I would leave it & try to find other activities/ friends for DD

Yes I will be leaving it. It feels sad for DD as these were her besties and she has no idea if there is a problem.

Yes, rude not to reply.

Every now and again, someone makes a genuine mistake (eg thinking they'd replied when they hadn't; and only realising when next they look at the convo and their typed reply is still there awaiting "send" - at which point a message full of apologies is indicated).

It's hard to believe repeated silence is that though!

It really doesn't take much to make a non-specific "sorry, we're rushed off our feet - my Petunia would love to see your Zinnia, but I think it'll have to wait until after the start of term now. Hope you're having a good hols"

As they're your DD's friends, not yours, you'll just have to fudge an excuse to her ("I think they're really busy but you'll see them in school soon and we'll sort it then"), find something else she'd like to do to distract her, and cross your fingers that it does come good