Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:44     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
I've had that happen too.
The parent(s) usually say something like "We always do everything together as a family."

Um, ok.

I never made a big deal about it because a lot of places we booked parties had a guest minimum and even with these additional siblings, we were under the minimum.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:43     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:If you are using Evite it Paperless Post you can set a limit to one guest.
I think OP is saying they RSVP for two kids and then the entire family shows up.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:42     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you’re talking about one specific family. Most of us wouldn’t do this. Who knows? They probably don’t think they’re being rude.
I knew one family like this; in their case, they were extremely overprotective helicopter-type parents. It wasn't a big deal to me. One extra kid wasn't a bother, and the parents just occupied themselves.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:37     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
If you are using Evite it Paperless Post you can set a limit to one guest.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:27     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Many people in the invitation are clear now - "siblings welcome", or "due to space/activity constraints, we're only able to accommodate the invited child." As the host, I think you should choose one and include it in the invite. It's up to you to set expectations.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:24     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I like it when a family stays. It's nice to have other adults there especially. The more the merrier.


What?! No- this is the worst. I'm trying to entertain all of the 8 year olds and the parent wants to talk with me. I also really feel judged when adults just stand around watching me.


Why are you entertaining 8 year olds? Are you a clown? 8 year olds an entertain themselves.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:24     Subject: Re:Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:unless this triples the number of people you were expecting, how is this even worth thinking about?


Oh, you’re one of THOSE people.

“How dare you call me out on my rudeness??”
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 17:15     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you’re talking about one specific family. Most of us wouldn’t do this. Who knows? They probably don’t think they’re being rude.


Given the number of times this comes up on DCUM, there are a lot of families like this. In our elementary school, it is not cultural, but a white American family who does this.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:17     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:If it’s always the same family, either deal, don’t invite them, or do a separate invitation for them in which you specifically say it’s only for the invited child. “Unfortunately we cannot accommodate siblings or parents.”


The girl was not in my daughter’s class so I never invited her. I see the family at several girl parties and the boy and dad are always awkwardly there. I mean they could easily drop off or just have the dad or mom come. I think they are just really clueless.

I probably wouldn’t have noticed them so early on, but my actual good friend invited her bc she was in her daughter’s class. She told me the boy just came and she didn’t know how to say no. After that, I noticed their whole family at multiple parties.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:11     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
I complained about this to a friend about a mutual acquaintance and she said the wife doesn't trust the husband to take care of the baby, but also she can't handle all the kids herself when SHE has the baby, so the entire family goes everywhere together. To me this is insane and proof you had too many kids.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:09     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
If it’s always the same family, either deal, don’t invite them, or do a separate invitation for them in which you specifically say it’s only for the invited child. “Unfortunately we cannot accommodate siblings or parents.”
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:08     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:When you send the evite put in the message that it’s a drop off party.
In the email or text say “ this evite is for Larla, hope she can come”


This invite is EXCLUSIVELY for Larla and no other siblings will be allowed.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:08     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I like it when a family stays. It's nice to have other adults there especially. The more the merrier.


What?! No- this is the worst. I'm trying to entertain all of the 8 year olds and the parent wants to talk with me. I also really feel judged when adults just stand around watching me.


You sound like you have anxiety.

Obviously this family is clueless. But it's one family. Is it really that big of a deal?

When we've had parents stay, they are usually helpful. And yes a couple adults to chat with can be nice.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:07     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
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.
Anonymous
Post 07/08/2025 16:06     Subject: Why do parents RSVP with more than the invited child?
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.