Mum sparks debate about children's party etiquette after pointing out major issue
Being a parent includes having to organise and attend several birthdays a year, but there is one issue that a mum has taken to social media in hopes they can figure out this ‘awful social behaviour’.
It’s not easy navigating the world of parenting and being around other parents.
Sometimes, you get it right and are able to join the PTA, do the school run without feeling embarrassed or have all of your clothes right way around.
But then there are moments that can feel a little too much like walking the tight rope.
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For example: birthday parties for children that aren’t your own.
On one hand, you want your child to be integrated, socialised and part of a friendship group so that their life at school or beyond is a little easier.
However, that also means you are often the person who has to also attend, bringing one mum to ask that is ‘acceptable’ manners in this situation.
Writing in the UKParenting group on Reddit, the mother asked on 11 October: “Acceptable at kids party or awful social behaviour?”
She wrote: “My 7 year old is going to a soft play party tonight. It is almost 3 hours long.”
The mother added of her ordeal: “None of the kids whose mums I am friends with are invited. I assume parents will be staying & tbh I would prefer to as it’s a busy soft play and the rest of soft play will be open as usual. Is it ok to take a book and sit and read my book??”
She went on to say that while she is 'happy to join in small talk and chat,’ she also has experienced parties where the other parents use their phones and won’t be ‘really talking’.
To that she said: “No judgement, but I can rarely sit that long on my phone without getting bored. Or is it going to look really weird?”
Well, as you may have expected, the internet was full of different views on this dilemma.
Some were even downright aghast that she’d ask such a thing.
“Yes it's weird,” said one. “Keep your eyes glued to a screen like a normal person.”
Another told the mum: “You need to ask permission.”
A commenter said: “Take the book but who knows, you might actually find new parents who you get on with.”
Someone else replied: “Youre a parent, you're an adult, do whatever you want.”
A common theme in the replies was shock that she felt it was a question that had to be asked, with one concerned Redditor writing: “
It’s at this day and age where people have to ask if it’s acceptable to read a book instead of being on their phones… years ago it would’ve been the norm to read a bloody book, now it’s questioned.”
There were even some who suggested she take up hobbies like crochet or knitting as they allow for ‘eye contact’ when necessary.
While the mum hasn’t responded to the group about how her time went, we can only hope it was calm and without incident!
Britt Jones