I was stunned when another mum WhatsApped me a bill for her child’s birthday party – it cost me £100
A MUM has revealed how she was left stunned after a mum WhatsApped her a bill for her child’s birthday party.
The parent of two children has always paid for her children’s birthday parties in the past.
But, she has now been left confused after another mum invoiced her for her kids to attend the birthday party.
The mum, who goes by the name of ‘letsjustberealx’ on TikTok, worked out that she would be spending around £100 for her children to attend this particular party.
She decided to take to TikTok to ask other parents their thoughts by sharing a video of herself talking about the situation.
The mum says: “I’m quite an extravagant parent, I don’t expect every parent to be extravagant like me but any time I do a birthday party that is an activity based birthday party, obviously I always pay for all the kids.
“This morning I’ve received a WhatsApp notification from one particular parent, her child always comes to my daughters birthdays, and her child always comes with the sibling because that’s the dynamic and set up that they have.
“I was always under the illusion that I must pay for both of those children.
“Today this parent sent me the invitation and on this invitation she let us know that the price of the party would be £21 per child and that we are all to transfer her that £21.
“I feel like the rug has been ripped from underneath me, because if I would’ve known, I would’ve saved myself a grand a pop each birthday party.
“But this is the part where I started to feel uncomfortable and she needs to have some etiquette and decorum.
“She then proceeds to send us a birthday wish list, with birthday present wishes.”
The mum then explained that she asked the other parent for her account details as she wanted her “daughter to go” because her daughter also wanted to attend.
She then explained that after the account details were sent over, the mum then sent a present wish list which was priced between £30 to £40.
The mum also pointed out that this particular parent has never come to her child’s birthday party with a card, or present.
She continues: “At the moment, coming to your child’s birthday is £100.
What's the etiquette on who pays for parties
The Etiquette Guy” Jay Remer says: “If you’re going to host, you’re responsible for paying. If you’re not willing to pay, you’re an organiser, whether for yourself or someone else,” says.
“If you were invited to such a party and there was no mention of Dutch treat or ticket price, so to speak, then you should rightfully assume that the host is covering all of the expenses.”
“Please explain the rules. Because the truth of the matter is if I’m not paying for every child on my child’s birthday.
“I can afford to spread out that money over the year and then I can pay for them to go to each and everybody else’s birthday.
“But I’m not going to pay for your child to come and have a whale of a time, and then when it’s my turn the rules are not reciprocated.
“So let me know the rules. One thing that cannot run is one rule for me, and one rule for you.”
The post has since gone viral with over 115.7k views, and many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
“My issue is if you CAN’T afford to pay for your child’s birthday party then DONT have it,” one expressed.
“If you choose to have a party for your child, you pay for it!! If you can’t afford it just have a few kids to the house for tea or even a picnic in the park,” another added.
“Never heard of paying for your kids to attend their mates’ birthday parties, that’s crazy,” a third said.
She then proceeds to send us a birthday wish list, with birthday present wishes
Mum of two
Whilst a fourth joined in by saying: “No she’s a bum, normal parents pay for the party and guests turn up with a gift or a bit of money in a card so it works out even anyhow really.”
Another parent added: “I was shocked when one of my child’s friends brought along their siblings both expecting a party bag, and cake….three kids, brought no card, no present….no message to say ‘money is tight I’m so sorry.’”
“I can’t afford birthday parties for mine, I have four kids. I can’t afford to pay out for all their friends ect to join so I simply don’t have one,” a parent added.
“Never would I expect anyone to contribute towards my child’s party!” one mum said.