'My cheeky friend expects me to pay to attend her kid's party

There are countless pressures when you're a parent . You're trying to do everything right for your child, while also having to leave within your means. One thing that can cause quite a lot of worry is birthday parties.

At school, your child's peers might be having big, lavish birthday bash - but it's not always feasible. Although she completely understood not being able to afford a fancy party , one woman was left baffled when her friend invited her and her child to soft play for her birthday - and expected them to pay for themselves as well as bring gifts. Taking to Mumsnet , she anonymously posted: "One of my friends invited my child to a birthday party to soft play, saying [she could not] afford a party, but invited us anyway.

My child does not play with this child regularly as [we] live in different towns. "Is it unreasonable for the person to invite to expect me to bring a gift and to pay for the entrance to soft play? I do like my friend and I know money is tight for her at the minute, but it is for me as well. The thing is because I could not afford to do a big party for my child, they have cake at home and a few party games.

"I feel this is what she should have done instead of expecting others to pay. It's not really as much the cost as I'm sure we would all love our children to have friends parties in play areas which we don't pay for, but unfortunately that is not the case and seems cheeky to ask". Many fellow parents in the comment section agreed the friend was being "cheeky", and said she should just decline the invitation.

Another person added: "I'd decline, very cheeky. The cynical side of me thinks they're just after the gifts." A second commented: "If you can't afford it just say no.

I am sure if she is in the same boat she will understand (one would hope). If it is not the money and you think your child would enjoy it then go along and take a card or a teeeny tiny present - or indeed just decline. She isn't obliged to have the same sort of party you think she should , but neither should she be upset if people decline.

" The mum responded, saying: "I can afford it but it is not just about the cost it just feels like what is wrong with cake at home and some sandwiches for a few children instead of expecting people to pay for your child's birthday. Like why are parties for children such a big show nowadays. I also could not afford soft play for my child party so he had to go without and settle for a small home party.

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