How do I get her to see there just isn't the money

[seekinginspiration]

We've booked a villa and 4 flights. The villa is big enough that both DS1 and DD could bring a friend but last year DD took her friend. This year DH told DS1 he could take a friend but DD has also invited a friend. Even if the euro is equivalent to the £, I think we can have a good week with One friend but if we end up paying for food and even 2 meals out for us all plus 2 friends, then we need a bigger car, probably MPV, we could end up in hot water. DH will not say NO to DD. DS's friend is working so would pay his own flight and probably contribute towards food. DHs income is sporadic, mine is consistent but not large. What can I tell her?

how old is your dd?

Ive had this very situation. DD took a friend one year, so it was DS's turn the next year.. Fair is fair.

But surely if teenagers are coming on holiday with you, either themselves or their parents would be expected to cough up for meals and drinks, etc?

just tell your dd that this year it is not possible to bring a friend

end of conversation

I think even if they brought some spending money, there is no way it would cover the extra you would have to fork out

I wouldn't let my kids go on holiday with anyone else without paying their way. Could you calculate roughly how much it would cost per person and say the friend can only come if she/her parents pay the share?

Why would you pay for the friend?

Last year DD took a friend, so it's DS's turn this year.

Why wasn't DD told this? Surely she's old enough to understand "turns".

Why won't your DH tell her no?

Your real problem here is not your daughter, it's that you and your DH are not signing from the same sheet. If you both agreed that she can't take a friend, end of, then all you have to say to her is "you shouldn't have asked x without permission first. You took y last year, it is your brother's turn." And tell x's parents yourself.

Money aside, I wouldn't want to be responsible for two extra teenagers, so I wouldn't want to take a DS friend and a DD friend together anyway!