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How would you explain girls-only party invitations to a 6-year-old boy?

204 replies

SurreyisSunny · 28/06/2026 18:28

My 6yo DS is in year 2 and now we are later in the school year we are moving away from all class parties which is fair enough as stronger friendships have formed. We had loads last year in reception but only a handful this year. He had a whole class party in October.

What I’m struggling with is explaining to my DS why he isn’t being invited to parties. One of his friends who dates back to nursery (so known each since they were 2), they go to stagecoach together and I’ve had here for a all day playdate (to help with childcare one holiday) didn’t invite to my DS her party today. I’m also joint class rep with her mum so we chat quite a bit. I understand this is because it was all girls. Others on more than one occasion have asked him or I if he was going and it’s been quite tricky saying in front of him that he wasn’t invited. My DS only plays with girls and his bestie is a girl. I fear this will happen more and more. Parties of those he’s less friendly with I can explain but it’s saying he’s not invited because he’s a boy I find harder. What’s sweet is he still wants to invite her to his party.

I’m hoping he’ll start developing some boy friendships as well but he’s still young and I have little concern he only plays with girls

How would you explain?

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Fulloff · 30/06/2026 07:41

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LostTheGoodScissors · 30/06/2026 07:41

SurreyisSunny · 28/06/2026 19:19

Wow some tough messages here!

i explained to him that if was girls only and that maybe they’d be doing things he didn’t want to do (playing princesses etc). I’ve had to do this several times as everyone assumed he was going (we have a friend group of about 10 mums with only one other boy mum).

I think my broader concern is that you’d think in 2026 we’d be beyond girls or boys only. Lots of women invite me to their hen parties for example. I don’t feel I should have to say you weren’t invited as you are a boy

He’s not been invited to quite a few parties which he’s brushed off with no concern. If was this one that was more difficult and I don’t think it will be the last.

I think this is why people thought you were a man. I think you may have meant ‘invite men to hen dos’

Lovingapeacefulgarden · 30/06/2026 08:26

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The girl wanted to invite some boys but mum said no its a girls only party. The mjm was quite open about this. Unfortunately believe it or not these things do happen though not common thankfully.

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Raspberriess · 30/06/2026 12:46

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