Am I obligated to feed adults at my childs birthday party?

Question

I am having a joint b-day party for my kids 6&8 next Wednesday at 6pm.

I have invited both of their classes, and the parents do need to stay. I feel like since it was MY decision to do this during the week at dinner time I am obligated to feed the adults as well, the faciltity feeds the kids, and I will need to provide additional food ( I cannot bring my own food in) for the adults, however my mother is adamant that I don't, and she is the type to get mad if I don't take her advice when it comes to money.

And she is so d**n aggravating that I almost don't want to have the party.

I'm young 24, she is frugal ( cheap!)

No, I don't live with her, but less than a mile from her

Answer 1

It is yes to feeding everyone, if you want to have a terrific party.  I believe that your mum was only helping you. But you must stand up to her by saying that you are a grown woman. I hope that this helps you.

Answer 2

Yes you have to feed those people if you need them to stay with their kids and your mom in law is not the boss of you and you better put her in check now or live a lifetime of that.   You are still young but not that young and tell her that you will not be rude to those people and are feeding them.  Let her bicker and just walk away!

Answer 3

Weird date for a kids party and yes you should feed them!

Answer 4

Yes, if you are requiring that the parents stay (at dinnertime) then you are obligated to provide food.  Some probably won't eat or will eat very little.. but you should have enough for everyone.  As far as your Mom goes....... Don't worry about what she thinks.. you are a grown woman with a child of your own.. you're the one having the party, right?  Do not let her stop you from doing what you feel is right.  Sounds like she is the child here.  Good luck to you!

Answer 5

yes you are

Answer 6

Since you are making the parents stay, ultimately inviting them, then yes you have to feed the parents.  If you were allowing a drop off party, then no, the parents aren't included in the package, therefore you don't have to feed them as well.

Answer 7

Obligated, no, however, it would be considerate of you considering you are requiring the parents to stay.

When I have parties for my boys I plan on a little extra food in case any parents wish to linger.

Answer 8

Are you going to have cake and ice cream? Let the adults eat cake and ice cream! It is a birthday party, after all.

Answer 9

If you are making parents stay at a meal time party, you really need to have food available to them.

Answer 10

It would be nice to feed everyone if you can. I think that is the proper thing to do-- at least have stuff available.

Answer 11

not having something for the adults would be rude, you are a grown adult with children, it is not your mothers decision, if she gets mad or not.

Answer 12

Yes, you have to provide at least finger foods and drinks or coffee. If they are allowed to just leave their kids that would be one thing, but if you are telling them they have to stay then you have to provide them with something.

Answer 13

if your forcing parents to stay at a birthday party during dinner, feed them or make it known your not so they can eat ahead of time. i don't know why parents would be forced to stay anyway.

Answer 14

If the parents need to stay then you need to offer them something. And for a kids party at this age you don't need to invite the entire class. You should set a limit on how many kids are invited, because then the costs get out of control.

Answer 15

You mother is nuts. OF COURSE you have to feed them-you INVITED them! What does your mother think? Throw a party and only feed some of the guests? I understand that that's a lot of money, but it should've been taken into consideration when the plans were made. If you're okay with it don't let your mom get you in a funk over it. Let it go in one ear and out the other and enjoy yourself!!

Answer 16

Ultimately, this is your decision to make and not your Mother's unless she is putting in a significant amount of work/ money to this party. Try to picture the night in your mind - will you feel uncomfortable if parents are looking edgy and expecting food that isn't there? I think the solution to this would be to prepare for every eventuality and have 'nibbles and snacks' available for the adults too. This can be done very cheaply if you shop frugally, and shall save any possible embarassment.

Answer 17

yea we always do, if they bring a gift, give them some pizza

Answer 18

yeah but they might feel embarressed and not take much

Answer 19

No, a children's party is for children.

If i were you i would just make it clear 2 the adults that there will be food for the children.

Answer 20

Depends on who you wish to offend the least lol.  You know what you want to do already--personally I'd tell mom that I appreciated her advice but that you were raised better than to invite people into your home at dinner time and not provide something for them to eat.

Answer 21

No, i wouldnt expect you to pay for my meal in the place. If it was at your house, i'd expect to have some snacks laid on but that's different.

I have been to a million of these things and parents only usually pay for the kids.

Answer 22

If the parents have to stay, yes you should feed them.  Go simple...pizza, make your own sandwiches with deli meats, vegetable tray, cheese tray, etc.   Then again, if you can't bring food in this could be a problem... just keep the party short and have cake and ice cream for everyone in attendance??

Answer 23

At least have enough to offer them cake and ice cream.

If the parents have to stay, then courtesy says to feed them.

Answer 24

YES, I WOULD FEED THE PARENTS.  THEY ARE THERE TO HELP YOU LOOK AFTER THE KIDS.  TELL YOUR MOTHER TO GET A LIFE.  ITS YOUR MONEY, ITS YOUR DECISION.  SHELL GET OVER IT

Answer 25

I've attended many parties w/ my 7 year old son and usually the host/hostess will order extra food  and beverages from the establishment and offer it to the parents.  Don't get too much though, because many of the parents turn it down.  

I really think you should have the extra because you are having the party around dinner time and some may be hungry.  If the kids are having pizza just get an extra pie.

Answer 26

If you invited the adults too and you didnt just encourage them to drop their kids off for the time then yes you are

Answer 27

If you told the parents that they need to stay for the party, than you have to give them something eat while they are there.  I think it would be rude not to since you are iniviting them (by force).  Just give them anything so that they don't start talking about you or start gossiping.

Good luck with your party!

Answer 28

yes it would be the right thing to do

Answer 29

Since the parents are obligated to stay and you have made the party for dinner time, I would OFFER dinner to the parents.  Some may take it and some won't....  just simply say "I know it's dinner time and I'm buying, would you like anything?"  This way you are still buying dinner but not over spending on food that would be wasted....

Answer 30

It would be rude if you did not

Answer 31

Feed the adults. This is supposed to be a happy time for all involved, you don't want someone thinking what cheap mean people on your kids birthday.