I must say that I agree with Caitlin Moran in the Times, I am always quite happy if a child can't make it to one of my children's parties. Brings the volume level down and less mess to clear up! More hula hoops for me

But then I've never paid "per unit" and just paid an entertainer or hired a venue which was the same price for whatever number of kids.....probably a better option for those who get stressed about no-shows.

Agreed Supergirl. I feel sorry for the kids actually. Both kids involved.

I found the all story rather sad. In what society are we living in????
Both party look very very childish in both the way they dealt with it (seriously they chose to send an invoice when they could have discussed it at pick up...) and the response from the other parents!
Really petty.

The Facebook exchange is now behind this link!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... -full.html

Wowser!

Hi Everyone
I merged these posts as they're on the same topic!

Someone also put the story on your original thread MM but I didn't merge all of them as today's comments would have got lost in your much longer topic

I thought was great! I am sure I am not the only one that had kids not turning up to a party! I found the all thing of having to chase the parents for a yes or no just appalling. I am not going to call them up after they RSVP yes to a party and then their kids don't show up .They will not get invited again.
The gentleman in question said that they did not have a contact number to call to cancel the commitment ...BS I say! How many kids in a class? and you do not have another parent email or phone number to try to get in touch with the party host? Come on!

I nearly choked on my morning coffee. Surely there are better ways to deal with this? You know, old school, like picking up the phone?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30876360