Is This Unusual?

Both my children know that if one is invited to a party the other one will not be going. I would never call and ask for my other child to come. If I had no other option I would ask if it was okay to bring my other child but also ask how much it would cost to pay for that extra child. My daughter is 8 and my son is 5, I have done a party for them every year and I have never had a parent call me and ask this question. If you are okay with this mother bringing her son also but do not want to have the extra cost (since the party is going to cost enough already) just explain to the mother that she is welcome to bring him but the cost for extra children is such if all of the invited guest show!

You could say something like, "yes you can bring him", they charge $15. for kids under 6(or whatever the real price and age is).. They also say an adult need s to be with young children so I guess I will see you all there..

I don't think it's appropriate for parents to ask about siblings, especially for a party outside of the home. Especially if this is going to be pricey, I would let the other parent know that you will get back to her after you hear from the other children. If there is a spot open, great. If not, then sorry!

No -- I think it was totally reasonable to plan for the kids you invited and not their siblings. We are always very clear with our non-invitee child that this party is just for your little brother or this is a big boy party, and sorry D, but you can't go. Neither of my children would even consider whining about this. In fact, we have been to Pump it Up and sat out with a sibling. It was fine with us.

Invitations are for a reason, and to ask about a sibling she should have added that she will pay any extra expense you will have with an extra child. No I don't think you should have, kept extra spaces for siblings, what if all 14 kids have a sibling? She was tacky. J.

Personally, i think it was a little tacky, BUT at least she RSVPed, Lots of people don't and just don't show leaving you stuck paying for kids that aren't there or they do show and bring siblings and you had no idea because they never called.
Like others said you can just say sure but here is the fee and an adult will need to stay. or sorry just the ones invited.
don['t think to much about it. she sounds nice for asking.

I would not plan for the siblings unless it was a more casual "family welcome" type of party. You are paying for your child and her friends, not their family. It should not be expected that siblings are free. I usually have no choice but to bring both of my children to the party, no matter which one is invited. I always let my child know, (the one who was not invited) this party is for your sister and you will be staying with mommy. When we have the party I expect siblings because I put on the invitation Family Welcome. So to answer your question no, you do not have to plan on siblings unless it is your intention to have them as an invited guest.

Unusual - sort of, but common - Yes! And I don't get why either. I would NEVER ever ask if my other children could come to a birthday party where my 1 child was invited. If it said one child's name on the invite (even if just at someone's house), I would not even think about taking my other child.

Now that being said, we have been invited to many parties where we as a family are invited, but that is different. I do not think that you should have had to keep extra spots open. I would have responded to her "X's brother is welcome to come but you will have to pay X amount for him as I've already paid for the children we've sent invitations to." I would THINK she'd get the hint, sheez?!

I have in the past been in this situation (of the mother that asked to bring her other child) but I paid for my other child to go, I did not expect that the parents of the birthday child were going to add my "extra" child on. I also made a point to get a gift from the sibling as well. Just a little something, but I figured that they were probably going to offer my 2nd child cake and ice cream and possibly a goodie bag, and just felt it appropriate. I don't think that she should be asking you that if she is not willing to pick up the cost for her 2nd child. that's just my own opinion though....and part of the reason that I don't do parties like that - I do them at my home and if extra kids come it's not a big deal! Good Luck ~

A lot of parents run into this. Usually, when having a party at home, it's okay if siblings come... but at a place where paid space is limited to a small number of children, you can write on the invitation card that siblings are welcome at the parent's expense. You are lucky she asked... a lot of parents are nice and leave the other kids at home, but some will bring several children with them, we even knew a mom who took the child's siblings, plus a neighbor kid and some cousins that were visiting.

I think it depends on the party and how well I know the people. We just went to a party at a bounce house and I brought my daughter too. Granted, she is 5 months, so didn't cost anything, but I'm not sure I would have thought about it even if she was older. When I send invitations for parties, I assume siblings, and I ask for RSVPs so that I can plan for how many kids are there, but I also know most that I invite, so I know if there are siblings. I don't have babysitters, or family around and wouldn't spend money on a babysitter to take my son to a party either.

How old is your daughter? Does the location allow for 5 year olds? Maybe next time, let them know that it is just for those invited? Or even add something about the cost if additional kids are coming (for those not hosted). Let them know that X's name is on the list and is paid for. I wouldn't have a problem paying for the additional child, but assume that most kid parties are the more the merrier.

Whenever we have parties at a bounce place or pool we word it "Parents welcome to stay for all or part or to drop off/ pickup. Siblings welcome with parent!", and have been to several similarly worded. YES parties can get very large.

Same token, we have had parties (like at the movie theatre) where we just invited that child and parents welcome to stay for all or part or drop off and pick up.

It's your party, you can work it your way. Parents WILL ask if it doesn't specifically say... because both ways are fairly common, so they don't want to make a "mistake" in the wrong direction (not bringing sibs when sibs are welcome, or bringing sibs when they're not). It's fairly easy to say "I wish we could, but we're already at our max."

No, not bad planning. Since this is the type of party where you need to pay per person, I would tell her, I'm sorry but I've already made arrangements and can add any additonal guests.

I personally think it was tacky of the mom to ask this WITHOUT offering to pay the extra for her other child. Unless you are close friends with the people you invite I would not make room for siblings.

My kids are very close in age too but what a great way for kids to learn that they cannot be included in everything.

I have a large moms group of close friends & ALL kids are included in an entertainment type of party but other wise if you are not close to the other moms how the heck are you suppose to know how many siblings they all have?

I always plan for and invite siblings. I think it's the right and polite thing to do. It's not a wedding reception it's a child's birthday party. People almost always, unless it's specified not to, bring a gift which costs money. To saddle them with babysitting costs seems a bit much. Some can't afford it, others can't get a sitter and both kids, the birthday child and the invitee miss out if the parent can't be in two places at once. The upside about opening up birthday parties to siblings is that parents are usually very grateful and appreciative and a really nice friendship could develop.

I have 2 boys ages 6 & 7. They are so close in age the kids all know each other. We also have a fairly tight knit school so typically all the parties are "family" events. I always account for siblings when party planning. The main reason is that if I am having a party for my 6 year old...the 7 year old is going to be there too and it is nice for him to have his buddies to play with. I can remember a couple parties that the parents asked for no siblings. My guess is that they were paying by the person and just like you they wanted the kids that were closest the the birthday boy/girl (not the brothers and/or sisters). If I were you, I would let the mom know that right now there isn't enough room for an extra person but if something should change you will let her know right away. I have had parties were we could only invite X number of kids. We sent out the invites and not everyone could make it so siblings worked out fine, and we didn't have to pay extra. Actually made me feel better they came because I figured I was paying for 15 kids and if only 12 came...it still cost the same. I have also been in the position that parents will have 2 kids, they will drop the one off at the party and leave. So you might want to be ready to have the invitee there without the parent if the son can't come to the party and mom has to stay with him. Just a few thoughts...hope the party is a blast! Pump it up is great!!!!