If this poor lady had to save enough for only 10 kids, then 10 kids it is. Manners need to be retaught as it’s not alright to take your family to a party they all weren’t invited to. Manners are, ask if it’s okay to bring the other kids and then pay for them as you are the one wanting them to attend, not the child’s mother or the birthday child. I would have said no they can’t come unless you pay for them. Some parents feel entitled and they make the person in the right, feel like they have done something wrong.

First mother was a narcissist. The one where she accused the mother of being toxic for not paying for her other kids?!?! Like ask if you can bring them but you pay and take them around..

2nd story.. again if you ask but you also need to accept their wishes!! Like for weddings aswell…. ughhhhh

If you ask the host first then it is ok otherwise it’s quite rude to just expect siblings to join in.

I always make sure there is more than enough food for the kids and their parents. I keep it to 6 children only. Although I can understand where these parents are coming from.

No siblings should be factored in. I have not had that before.

Luckily I haven’t been in that situation yet but I know there will be times that I might not know the parents or hubby maybe at work so I’ll have to take a sibling along but I’d always pay for the extra kid and not expect him or her to be included in the games or food. I’d however always check first with the host I know id be stressed ive planned enough parties now to know the financial stress. Plus giving a decent gift also.

There have been times when I have needed to bring along a sibling to a birthday party, but I have always asked first and if it is at a paid location then I would pay for my additional child.

I usually take only the invited child – in a couple of emergency situations (husband carted off to hospital without warning) I did take all of them, but only after (a) ringing the mum first to check and (b) making clear that I would be keeping the extra kids out of the way of party games and not expecting them to join in and/or paying for them. I have had Mums do the same to me – stuff does happen and it’s not necessarily rude if you ask first and ensure it doesn’t place stress on the host.

If my partner isn’t at home then I take all my kids BUT only the one invited is paid for by the host and I will pay for the extra kids. Otherwise it’s not fair on the host.

It’s never okay to not ask first. It really depends on the situation. I did one at a play centre recently and a mother did ask me and I was okay with it because the initial cost allows for a certain number of kids and I wasn’t getting a huge number of RSVPs, however, she offered to pay – it’s very rude to expect it. Also, if you are going to a party somewhere there’s usually an entry fee, buy a decent gift – colouring in books and stickers are not okay – etiquette dictates you spend what the host is spending on you.

Definitely a tough one, the approach we tackle is very much those on the invite only, if parents ask if their other kids can join you set the expectations…like any event uninvited guests can cause unnecessary stress for an event that’s supposed to be a celebration. Even if at a public space unless otherwise noted that siblings are welcomed focus should be on the child enjoying their party with their own friends.

When my boys had parties the invites only ever had the child’s name written on it. I think it’s wrong of the other Mum to expect the host to provide for the other children as well. I would have checked with the Mum and asked if they could bring the rest of the family but also state that I would be paying for the ones not invited.

I get it. If everyone brought extra guests you can imagine how quick it would escalate. She would’ve spoke with her about it rather than expect her children be automatically invited.

I have a rule: if your name isn’t on the invitation you don’t attend the party! Even if it’s at a playground, as I’d hate for them to have to cater for my other children also!
I usually don’t mind siblings coming along to parties and will often include them, goodie bag etc.
But if it’s a paid event I will say siblings are welcome to attend but I cannot pay their entry, however, food will be available!
This year I wanted no siblings as I wanted it to be special for those invited. Two parents said they will need to drop off, which I thought was fine. I was very surprised that almost everyone dropped their children and left! Especially when both parents came to drop off and pick up. And I hadn’t met all of them before. The plan was for parents to help make it special for their child!
What bugs me though is when a whole family shows up, both parents and all their children, it’s ok for one parent to watch the other kids and it’s ok for those not invited to not attend every birthday party!

Why have invitations if others turn up? Seriously parties are for invited guests only.
If you are invited to a wedding …you don’t bring along your whole family …same thing with birthday parties I say. ????