How easy do you have to make it for parents to get their own children to a party?

[OrmIrian]

Last few years DD has wanted mega expeditions for her parties. We've been up on the hills for a bbq, to Hestercombe House gardens for a picnic. Both times we accepted that we'd be responsible for taking and dropping off guests. This year she's having a climbing party at the YMCA which is slap bang in the middle of town (well near enough). We've had 2 definite acceptances so far but 2 guests have said they might not be able to get there. WTF? It's walkable from just about anywhere in town, none of the guests live far from us and it's an easy stroll from our house. I refuse to get into ferrying children around again! Not to mention the car will be full of food for the party. DD is treating me like a female 21st version of King Herod for suggesting she tell her little friends (and her parents)that they should get off their bottoms and walk somewhere assuming that they don't have a car!

I think once you make it clear that your not picking them up this time they probably will come. They will pester their parents endlessly.

Their probably just trying it on to see if they can get a lift.

I think you are right. I am just getting the sulky treatment from DD atm . Actually I think she may be going down with her brother's fluey bug thing as I've had floods of tears from her about nothing in particular. And she's feeling very hot.

Oh dear, hope she's gonna feel better for her party. Be a shame to waste that car load of food

She will be. I hope! It's not until 19th April

We don't have a car but wouldn't dream of asking for or hinting for a lift. If I couldn't get there myself I would politely turn down the invitation. Offer them the number for a local taxi firm.

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too bloody right they are - some people would drive up to their sofas if they could!

Dear god! You mean people expect you to cadge them a lift to a party?!

WTF?

Erm, I don't expect the hosts to get me to and from any party.

If I can't coordinate transport I politely decline the invitation.

Message withdrawn

I don't drive and as such will probably have a time when I have to decline an invite for DD.
I would ask other people who I kenw were going if they had space in their car but these are the same kids we have over for playdates, parents that'll do each other favours like school pick-ups etc, I would't ask the party host.
If it was within about 20 minutes walking distance I'd walk it, and that's only restricted because if I had no transport it'd mean I had DS.
I'd happily bus it to a party too.

You probably won't megglevache. There do seem to quite a lot of families without cars here. It's the fact that they won't consider walking that winds me up!

Last year DS#1 has a bowling party in the next town. His best mates' mum couldn't get him there and was going to refuse. She couldn't get her hear around arranging to share with another mum . But because he was DS's best best friend I ended up offering to drive him....which meant we had to take 2 cars.

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School is near enough I suppose. All a bit odd really.