A mother is seeking guidance after facing a $20 cover charge for her child’s friend’s birthday party. Frustrated with the annual fee, she reached out to the “Miss Conduct” column in the Boston Globe. The situation revolves around a friend, dubbed “The Charge Mom,” who has been asking parents to contribute financially for their children to attend her kid’s celebrations. The mom, while acknowledging her friend’s amiable nature, firmly believes that charging for attendance at a party is simply inappropriate.
Each year, whether at a venue or at home, The Charge Mom sends out invitations requesting a $20 fee to “cover costs.” If the party is hosted at her residence, she often leaves an envelope or basket for “donations.” The concerned mother notes that the family isn’t facing financial difficulties, yet whispers about their unusual practice circulate among friends. Similar to a case where a mother demanded that children attending a Build-A-Bear party relinquish their bears to her child, this situation calls for a serious reality check.
Advice from Robin Abrahams
Robin Abrahams, the advice columnist, encourages the mom to address the issue directly. She advises against mentioning the gossip among friends, which could instill paranoia. Instead, she suggests speaking up for the sake of the birthday girl, who may eventually feel the weight of her mother’s actions. Money discussions can be tricky, and the mom likely hesitates to confront her friend. However, hosting a party, whether at a venue or at home, comes with the responsibility of covering all associated costs.
If financial constraints are a concern, it might be wiser to consider a low-budget gathering or a more intimate family-only celebration. It is crucial to think about the impact on the birthday girl. If parents are discussing the cover charge, the children will likely hear about it too, and the birthday girl may eventually feel embarrassed as she grows older.
Abrahams stresses that personal financial opinions should remain out of this conversation, as we can never truly know the financial situations of others. Charging for cake and entertainment is not a viable solution to financial stress—this fact should be crystal clear.
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Conclusion
In summary, the mom’s friend should reconsider charging for her child’s birthday party to avoid embarrassment for her daughter and discomfort among attendees. Open communication can help clarify expectations around party costs while maintaining friendships.
Keyphrase: cover charge for kid’s birthday party
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