IT’S no secret kids can be pretty expensive, but one mum has left people stunned after she revealed she was billed by another parent for a playdate.
You might think that meant the kids enjoyed a fun-filled day out with loads of activities, but you’d be wrong.
According to the mum, called Michelle, the invoice was sent to her after her daughter went over to her school friend’s house for a few hours.
She explained exactly what happened on the 40ish podcast, and noted that she didn’t know the mum very well, but would exchange friendly hellos at the school gate.
So, after her daughter enjoyed the play date she picked her up in the afternoon, and thought nothing else of it.
That is until she received a message from the mum regarding the “expenses”.
The message noted that her share of the expenses came to £11, and that they should “do it again sometime.”
Confused, Michelle asked what she meant by expenses.
“Yes, she used supplies and food while she was here and this way we can do it more often without me bearing the financial obligation,” the said.
She even went on to itemise the £11 – which included lunch, snacks, as well as £2 for household expenses, which listed toilet use, TV, and electricity.
After the dilemma was shared on the podcast other parents were stunned by the bold request.
One said: “My opinion aside, I feel that if you plan to charge someone for anything you should let them know beforehand, that way they can decide whether to accept or not.”
A second agreed: “I’d pay but my child won’t be going there again.”
And a third has a slightly cheeky response: “I’d pay, then ask her child around for a playdate and take both kids out for a meal and to the theatre before sending an invoice for £46.75.”
“Would the electric be turned off if her daughter wasn’t there then?” someone else mused.
“Surely having her kid over another day is the reimbursement?” another noted.
Meanwhile, someone else said the mum who sent the invoice was “absolutely pathetic”, they added: “I openly encourage my daughter to have friends over and never in a million years would consider charging their parents.”
But others thought the mum wasn’t in the wrong.
“I actually think we should normalise this, some people can’t afford to pick up the slack all the time,” one said.
IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It’s effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
