Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are using Evite it Paperless Post you can set a limit to one guest.

This. Set the limit to 1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are using Evite it Paperless Post you can set a limit to one guest.

This. Set the limit to 1.

It's not clear enough to set the limit at 1. If you don't want siblings, you need to say it very clearly but tactfully in the invite; even then, someone might ignore it.

[Anonymous]

I always wrote “I’m sorry due to capacity restrictions we are unable to host siblings.” Made it very clear everytime. And when we had parties at home and siblings were fine I would add a note “siblings are included!” It should be clear and you should not have to do that. But I always did that to make it 100% clear those who were clueless.

[Anonymous]

I no longer invite families that do this. What’s most incredible to me is that the two families in our preschool class that did this were very wealthy, while I am a single mom. They would show up with 4 people and expect me to pay for them. I stopped inviting them.

[Anonymous]

I had a mom RSVP once that the invited kid couldn’t come unless the kid’s twin could join too. So I paid for both kids at the bouncy place-and then the kids “no showed” and I paid for nothing.

Another time-a family came and brought a 4 yo girl to an 8 yo boy birthday saying that she “would be sad to be left out of the fun”. the play place charged me for the kid even though she was too small to take part in the activities (rules the place stated when I signed the contract-I don’t blame them.)

With those two examples in hindsight, I wouldn’t accept a sibling at an outside party venue (tell the parent you have already paid for your allocation of invited guests but that they are welcome to pay for the sibling separately.).

[Anonymous]

I always invite entire families and provide food, nicer turn out. Does the family know you? I wouldn't be fully comfortable with a drop off with parents I don't know and depending on the venue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always invite entire families and provide food, nicer turn out. Does the family know you? I wouldn't be fully comfortable with a drop off with parents I don't know and depending on the venue.

You do you. OP wants to host a kiddie party, not entire families which would quadruple the headcount.

If you’re not comfortable, you can decline.

[Anonymous]

List it in the invitation. No siblings/drop off party?

[Anonymous]

Cultural difference - in some cultures it is extremely normal and expected. It's a family/ community event. Honestly, after having lived in a culture like this it's a lot easier when the family doesn't have to divide up on your limited weekend time and it can be a family event. Of course it gets tiring going to so many parties (I'm an introvert), but its social events for many people in this culture. No one is trying to take advantage of you.

[Anonymous]

When it is cultural, respectful families ask first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a mom RSVP once that the invited kid couldn’t come unless the kid’s twin could join too. So I paid for both kids at the bouncy place-and then the kids “no showed” and I paid for nothing.

Another time-a family came and brought a 4 yo girl to an 8 yo boy birthday saying that she “would be sad to be left out of the fun”. the play place charged me for the kid even though she was too small to take part in the activities (rules the place stated when I signed the contract-I don’t blame them.)

With those two examples in hindsight, I wouldn’t accept a sibling at an outside party venue (tell the parent you have already paid for your allocation of invited guests but that they are welcome to pay for the sibling separately.).

I would have said, " Larlo will be disappointed that Billy Bob will miss his birthday party ".

[Anonymous]

What is even worse is having adult party and some idiot brings their kids because they couldn't get as babysitter!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:-Cultural differences --I know a lot of families of totally different origins who do this for whatever reason.
-Cheap --they see it as a free meal for the family. They're fine with crappy pizza if they're not paying. I know more than one mom who admits to this! "Now I don't have to cook tonight."
If it's a party at my house I don't mind. If it's a pay-to-play place and I have to pay for extra kids it's frustrating. I posted before that i had a $400 party go up to $800 due to random siblings that I felt funny about not welcoming. For us that's a lot of money.

These cretins count on you not having the guts to tell them to leave or pay for themselves and their uninvited child/children and PAY IN ADVANCE.

Sweating those couple of slices of shitty pizza I see? Just don't bother with the "party" at all, honestly.

Wrong.

[Anonymous]

Clearly speaks to the "hospitability" of North American culture.

In Asia, LATAM, or South Africa – the whole family would be invited.

Then again, part of this madness is because the insecure, penny-pinching middle class insists on Instagram-ready, high production value, pay-per-person parties.

No more cake, clown, confetti and streamers at home. Speaks to American values. And "culture".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids are in elementary and can be dropped off. This one family always RSVPs with two kids and the entire family shows up to every single party. They are the only family who does this. The girl is the same grade as my daughter and I have seen them rsvp and come to every girl party with also the elementary aged boy.

Can’t they see this is a party for just the kids?

Most parents just leave or one parent hands around.

Because they have no manners, are entitled, are cheap, and even if you say NO SIBLINGS they will still arrive with their entire family in tow. You should have no qualms about saying. "I cannot accommodate siblings."