Parents were divided after two parents left a children’s party at a game center for the pub. So whose side are you on?
A woman has sparked a debate online after asking if it is ‘rude’ and ‘hurtful’ for two parents to leave a child’s birthday party to go to the pub.
The UK-based woman asked people what they thought about the situation in a parenting forum post. momsnet.
She explained that her friend hosted a party at a game center for her son, but provided alcoholic beverages and a “cooked meal” for adults.
However, not long after arriving, two of the dads went to a pub a few doors down and did not return to the party.
Many were quick to comment with some saying they “don’t see the problem” while others said it was “rude.”
A woman has sparked a debate on Mumsnet after asking if it is ‘rude’ and ‘hurtful’ for two parents to leave a children’s birthday party to go to the pub (file image)
The post read: ‘A friend had a kids party this weekend, a game center type place but alcohol included. The parents are usually all friends and always at parties with each other etc.
‘One of the dads arrived, spoke quickly to another dad and walked him to the pub a couple of doors down and didn’t come back. The hosts had paid for a caterer, provided good drinks, etc.
‘Dads often chat and have drinks etc. I could see my friend looked a little [annoyed]. Would you find this rude and a bit hurtful or would it not bother you?’
Some people thought the parents who left the party were rude and some claimed they were ‘selfish’.
One person wrote: “Although I think the parents were rude, I can’t stand drunken kids partying and I think they’re a bit pathetic.” Throw a party for the kids, then meet up for drinks at another time!
Another said, “So let’s change it to a barbecue where you’ve invited families.” And then two adults left their families and headed to the pub. It is very rude.
Someone else said: ‘That would seem rude to me. Two men throwing their children on top of other parents and slipping off, when the host had even provided them with drinks. He would think of those men as shameless, selfish bastards after that.
She explained that her friend hosted a party at a game center for her son, but also invited adults and provided alcoholic beverages and “food service.”
Some people thought the parents who left the party were rude, and others said they were “selfish.”
While a fourth wrote: “Of course it’s rude but there are a lot of men out there who think anything to do with kids has nothing to do with them and mom can deal with it.”
‘I would never assume a parent’s assistance unless I was in direct contact with the parent. He would double check that they were coming and attending at the time of the invite.
“I’m sure people will come up to me and say, ‘Not my Nigel,’ but a large percentage of guys would definitely use this as an excuse for a bit of ‘me time’.”
However, some thought it was perfectly normal for parents to drop their kids off at a party and walk away.
One person said: “If the invitation was for my son to a children’s party, I would just leave as staying is optional and parents rarely stay unless the children are very young.”
While some thought it was perfectly normal for parents to drop their kids off at a party and walk away. Others wondered why alcohol was served at a children’s birthday party in the first place.
Another said: ‘It’s common here. Parties are dump and run or stay and mingle. There is no obligation for parents to do this as it is totally up to them. They wouldn’t even notice two dads going off to a different pub.
While a third wrote: ‘No, it’s not rude. It was a children’s party and the parents are only there to transport. If the child is at an age where he doesn’t need real individual supervision, then it’s okay to let him run. Obviously, you always let the host know you’re not staying and leave a phone number just in case.
Others wondered why alcohol was served at a children’s birthday party in the first place.
One person said: “I’d love to see the father set the trend and for all those interested in being under the influence to follow him around the pub.”
“That way, kids will have the freedom to enjoy being kids instead of being around drunken adults.”
Another said: “Perhaps they just thought drinking alcohol would be more appropriate in a pub than a children’s play centre.”
