Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want to spend the whole of Sunday in birthday parties?

14 replies

aliasanon · 09/06/2010 20:28

I have 3 DC. This week we have had 3 party invitations (one per child), all for this Sunday. One is 11-1, next is 12-2, then 1-3. All in different locations, up to 5 miles apart.

None of the children having parties are special friends of my DC, it is just a case of invite the whole class (20-30 children)

My plans for Sunday, as the forecast is nice, was a picnic on the beach. Sunday is teh only day of the week that DH doesn't work, so it is the only day that we can spend time together as a family.

AIBU to turn down the party invitations and continue with the plans for a nice family day together rather than ferrying them from one sugar filled soft play area to another?

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 09/06/2010 20:30

well they overlap so the middle one is going to have to go anyway (and you'll either leave the first early or be late for the third)

kolacubes · 09/06/2010 20:31

Been in your position myself, and I've asked my children what they want to do.

Because unfortunately if the party was what they wanted, although they'd partake in the family activity there'd be a slight atmosphere as they'd rather be at the party.

However, they have turned round and said don't fancy that party, prefer family activity on other occassions.

StealthPolarBear · 09/06/2010 20:31

oh no...am guessing your DCs can be left
Sounds like a busy day!

thisisyesterday · 09/06/2010 20:31

well i would ask the children what they want to do

I know my 5 yr old would be quite upset if he discovered he'd been invited to a party and I hadn't taken him

if they are happy to do beach instead then do that! as long as you let the parents know that you won't be going

vicbar · 09/06/2010 20:32

its a hard one Ive also got 3 parties this weekend and its my birthday on Monday so wanted to have a family day out.
Are the kids bothered about the parties ?
If they are is the beach near to you - you could have a picnic tea at the beach it'll stiull be warm, not as busy and a nice end to the day.
I also have to fit in hubbies cricket and a charity bike ride - Im glad my birthday comes high up the list.

Hulababy · 09/06/2010 20:36

You are leaving it late to reply, or have you only just recieved the invites?

If you haven't already accepted the invites, and have already made plans - then yes, decline them. Party invites are optional.

Original poster
aliasanon · 09/06/2010 20:36

The youngest two are too young to be left (that is the 11-1 and the 12-2 parties) which means that DH and I will have to split up and take one child each, and eldest will have to tag along at another party until it is time for hers.

I have asked them what they want to do, and they say they want to go to the parties and the beach.

I think after a whole day of parties they will be too tired to go to the beach afterwards, and it is a bit of a trek (about half an hour's drive).

I would definitely let the parents know whether they are coming or not, was planning on doing that in the morning. Which is why I need to make a decision.

OP posts:
Original poster
aliasanon · 09/06/2010 20:37

The invitations came yestarday and today.

OP posts:
mumto2andnomore · 09/06/2010 20:41

To be honest if I received such late invitations I would assume they are only being invited as others cant come-seems very odd you have had 3 so late for the same day ! At least 2 weeks before is the norm here.

Original poster
aliasanon · 10/06/2010 08:05

No, for all three parties the whole class was invited and they all had the invitations the same time. We rarely get invitations more than a week in advance, and it was half term last week so they wouldn't have been given out then.

OP posts:
seeker · 10/06/2010 08:11

Parties then picnic on the beach. Or even barbecue on the beach. Nothing nicer than the beach in the late afternoon/early evening. And they won't be too tired. Children never are - we just think they are!

maggotts · 10/06/2010 08:31

With seeker on this. Afternoon beach is lovely. (Fish and chips from the wrapper for minimum effort).

Plus can you share lifts with other parents as careful logistical planning (the only way my life stays on track) could minimise your 11-3 stress as well so only need 3 journeys rather than 6.

2old4thislark · 10/06/2010 09:14

There's another thread on here at the moment regarding 'not being invited to parties'......

All I would say is there are many mums who would love to be in your situation as their children often get missed out.

Having said that, I would ask the children what they wanted to do - hoping that they all make the same decision. When invitations are given out at short notice you can't be expected to drop your plans.

Bucharest · 10/06/2010 09:18

And remember the thread where the little girl had invited about 10 people and no-one turned up.

Sorry OP, children's parties are a cross we must bear.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread