Birthday party—how would you have diffused this mom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think OP should have told the mom as she rummaged through the trash, “I think there IS a favor bag down at the very bottom! Just keep digging”. And then walk away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dietary restrictions have nothing to do with your post.
You were not wrong to not have sibling favors. That shouldn’t be expected.
You sound overly rigid about siblings though considering it was in a park/public place.

+1

You're not wrong. That mom was unreasonable and rude.

But one of the joys of the park bday party is the ease with which you can accommodate extra folks, so reconsider the location if you want a smaller party. There will always be other kids around at parks.

[Anonymous]

What do the food allergies have to do with it? What the mom did isn't OK, but dragging a kid's medical needs into a situation where you're judging someone is way worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dietary restrictions have nothing to do with your post.
You were not wrong to not have sibling favors. That shouldn’t be expected.
You sound overly rigid about siblings though considering it was in a park/public place.

+1

You're not wrong. That mom was unreasonable and rude.

But one of the joys of the park bday party is the ease with which you can accommodate extra folks, so reconsider the location if you want a smaller party. There will always be other kids around at parks.

I think the mom was rude, but I agree with this. We have not limited attendance at a park (I mean, another kid could just show up there anyway, right?). We have gotten some extra cupcakes to accommodate siblings. We have not even thought about getting extra gift bags. It has always worked out fine. We have been more strict in Little Gym or similar places. Regardless, the other mom was wrong but just something to think about.

[Anonymous]

She sounds unhinged.
You sound cheap though.

[Anonymous]

Defused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mom is nuts and I would never invite them again.

You did fine, there is no placating crazy.

This. Disengage from this mom and yes, even the DDs. She was incredibly rude; I’d argue if she’s this unhinged and weird in public around her DC and others, imagine how strange and volatile she must be in private.