Have you ever turned down a party invitation for your child? - Page 2

[jeteaa]

car sickness is a serious thing. No reason to feel bad about telling the parents about her situation. I'm sure they would very much prefer you to NOT put you kids in their car when she might get sick. But given that this is a public place, I see no reason why you can't drive her down yourself and stay "hidden" (bring a book) at the party.

[PhotoJournMama]

I think you should call the parents and discuss the situation with them honestly. I'm sure that most people would understand and try to be accomodating to her needs. Maybe they would prefer helping her through her car sickness or maybe they would prefer you to come along to lend a hand. You might as well ask them, right?

[Hoopin' Mama]

Considering you cannot drive her yourself, it sounds to me like your dd may have to sit this one out. I think asking another family you don't know very well to help out a child who may get sick on a big birthday day for their own child doesn't seem like the best option, since you don't know them well.

[Hoopin' Mama]

Originally Posted by PhotoJournMama

I think you should call the parents and discuss the situation with them honestly. I'm sure that most people would understand and try to be accomodating to her needs. Maybe they would prefer helping her through her car sickness or maybe they would prefer you to come along to lend a hand. You might as well ask them, right?

I think it's a lot to ask. Will the car have to pull over? Be delayed? Will that embarass your dd? Will she get physically ill in front of everyone?

[JessBB]

Originally Posted by Hoopin' Mama

I think it's a lot to ask. Will the car have to pull over? Be delayed? Will that embarass your dd? Will she get physically ill in front of everyone?

I have a *serious* problem with vomit. It's been this way since I was a child. If someone sent their child on a long car ride with me without full disclosure of the high probability of puke, I would be SO mad. Like, ending the friendship mad. You can never get the smell of vomit out of a car. If I was on the way to my 7th or 8th birthday party, and my friend threw up in my car or god forbid ON me, it would ruin my birthday. And possibly my week, month and year. Dramatic? Sure, ok. But everyone has their issue, right? Just throwing this perspective out there.

[lilyka]

They can't possibly object to you driving her yourself. Especially if you explain there might be puke involved....


As for turning down party invites. Yes, of course, for all sorts of reasons. We siomply cannot make it to every party we are invited to. We actually turn down all but a few. I have to share cvustody with my ex and like to see my kids sometimes.

[karemore]

Of course it's OK to turn down a party invitation.

It's not fair to the other parents or the birthday child to risk your daughter getting sick on the way to the party.

[Qbear'smama]

I turned down an invitation when DD expressed she didn't want to go (a child she doesn't get along with) or because of scheduling conflicts. I would definitely seek alternate means of getting there rather than ask people I don't know very well to accomodate my DD possibly getting sick in their car, I agree with PPs that it is a lot to ask esp when they'll be preoccupied with all the birthday stuff. Do you have a friend who would be willing to take you? Ok, it is a bit of a distance, a good friend? You could pay for gas and find a cafe to hang out in with your friend during the party . I'm not sure I would ask DD until I had a plan because if she says yes and then you can't sort something out, she would be upset, but then again I guess a 7 year old would realize the party went on without her, mine is only 4, if we can't go I can still just not mention the party and she's none the wiser.

[MusicianDad]

I say talk to the other parent. Given the situation they might be perfectly willing to let you come along to help your DD with the carsickness. If they refuse that, I would be inclined not to send my child.