‘I’m horrified at the price of my child’s party – I’m not sure I can afford it’

The mum said she didn’t feel as though she could speak to anyone in real life about her money worries because she was concerned they’d brand her as ‘tight’ – but she was worried about paying for her child’s party

With the cost of living going up and up every single day, it’s no wonder people are assessing areas in their lives where they can make changes, cut costs and try to live a little more frugally where they can. For many parents though, they don’t feel like this is possible as they’re feeling pressure from all angles to entertain their kids and not disappoint them – especially not on their birthday.

One mum took to Mumsnet to express that she felt ‘sick’ at the cost of her child’s birthday party and didn’t know what to do to resolve the situation. Her son is primary school age, and so often, their expectations are high and the comparisons between them and classmates have begun – hence why she didn’t want to ‘disappoint’ him.

Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here

She wrote: “Can’t really talk to anyone in real life as they will think I’m really tight with money or stupid. I’m having my first ever party for my son who is primary school age. I looked into lots of options like hiring a hall, but it was too much headache as I would have to source the food, entertainment, etc myself and I just don’t have time.

“So I booked soft play as I don’t need to worry about anything as they will provide everything. I worded the invite very carefully to explain the party will be for named child only and not siblings so that bit is sorted.

“But I’m getting really worried about the spiraling costs as I didn’t factor in that my son and his younger siblings count in the list too so it’s £25 EACH just for the birthday boy and his brothers and sisters!

“I’ve also had to invite cousins from both sides as we get invited every year. I’ve also let few close friends bring their younger children as they have no childcare so that’s another £25 for four siblings = £100!

“I’m really worried as when I planned this with my husband I budgeted 6-8 kids from school. Didn’t realise my kids would also have to pay. Plus I have to pay for the adult entry.

“How the hell do people afford this! The play centre is booked every weekend. There was a cancellation so I managed to grab a spot on my son’s actual birthday date. It’s ridiculous.”

Other mum’s sympathised and commented saying the prices do go high very quickly when you factor in all their friends.

One wrote: “It really does add up, doesn’t it. You need to either pay, cut numbers or cancel. Maybe look for a cheaper option, at home or hire a hall and just do a lot more yourself.”

Another said: “Speaking to an entertainer recently he said the whole industry is booming at the moment as people are making up for lost time. People are really struggling to secure bookings for anything right now because there is so much interest but not enough availability to keep up with the demand.

“To be honest it doesn’t have to be extravagant. With that number of children you can have them out in the garden or in the park and they would be more than happy.”

Others gave sound advice, but were not as sympathetic to the mum, writing: “It is not hard to hire a hall, indoor bouncy castle and make your own food. You could probably have saved £250. Also, your son could have invited the whole class as it’s a very little extra cost per child. But you will know for next year.”

“I think you have just let it get out of hand. It’s run away with itself so scale it back again”, another suggested.

Would you spend that much on a kid’s party? Let us know in the comments.