Parents were divided after two dads left a children’s party at a play center to go to the pub – so whose side are you on?
A woman has sparked a debate online after asking whether it was “rude” and “hurt” for two fathers to leave a child’s birthday party to go to the pub.
The UK-based woman asked people for their thoughts on the situation in a post on the parenting forum Mumsnet.
She explained that her friend threw a party at a play center for her child, but provided alcoholic beverages and a “groomed spread” for adults.
However, not long after arriving, two of the fathers went to a pub a few doors down and did not return to the party.
Many rushed to the comments, some saying they “don’t see the problem” while others saying it was “rude.”
A woman has sparked a debate on Mumsnet after she asked if it was ‘rude’ and ‘hurtful’ for two dads to leave a children’s birthday party to go to the pub (stock image)
The message read: ‘Friend had a children’s party this weekend, a kind of play center but including booze. Parents generally all friends and always at each other’s parties etc
“One of the fathers arrived, promptly spoke to another father and went with him to the pub a few doors down and did not return. Hosts had paid for a neat spread, provided tasty drinks, etc
‘The daddies often chat and drink, etc. I saw that my friend looked a little [annoyed]. Would you find this rude and a little hurtful or wouldn’t it bother you?’
Some people thought it was rude of the fathers to leave the party and some claimed they were “selfish”.
One person wrote, ‘While I think the dads were rude, I can’t stand drunken kids’ parties and think they’re a bit pathetic. Throw a children’s party and then meet another time for a drink!!’
Another said, ‘So let’s turn it into a bbq where you’ve invited families. And then two adults left their families and went to the pub. It’s very rude.’
Someone else said, “I would find that rude. Two men who dump their kids with other parents and run off, even though the host had provided drinks. After that I would consider those men selfish, brazen bastards.”
She explained that her friend threw a party at a play center for her child, but also invited adults and provided alcoholic beverages and a “groomed spread”
Some people thought it was rude of the fathers to leave the party, while others claimed they were ‘selfish’
While a fourth wrote: ‘Of course it’s rude, but there’s a wealth of men who believe that anything related to children has nothing to do with them and that Mommy can handle it.
“I would never accept a father’s presence unless I had direct contact with the father. I would double check that they came and were actually there at the time of invitation.
“I’m sure people will come up to me and say, ‘Not my Nigel’ – but a good percentage of guys would certainly use this as an excuse for a little ‘me time’.”
However, some thought it was perfectly normal for parents to drop their kids off at a party and leave.
One person said, “If my child’s invitation was to a children’s party, I would just drop by and leave, as staying is optional and parents rarely stay unless children are very young.”
While some thought it was perfectly normal for parents to drop their children off at a party and leave again. Others wondered why alcohol was served at a children’s party at all
Another said: ‘It’s common here. Parties are dump and run or stay and mix. No obligation for parents to do it, it’s entirely up to them. Two dads going to a different bar wouldn’t even be noticed.’
While a third wrote: ‘No, it’s not rude. It was a children’s party and parents are just there to transport. If the child is of an age where they didn’t need any real individual supervision, it’s fine to drop and run. Of course you always let the host know that you are not staying and leave a telephone number just to be sure.’
Others wondered why alcohol was served at a children’s party at all.
One person said: ‘I would like to see the father set a trend and anyone who wants to be under the influence of alcohol follow him to the pub.
“That way kids will be free to just enjoy being a kid instead of being surrounded by drunk adults.”
Another said, “Maybe they just thought drinking booze would be more appropriate in a pub than a children’s playground.”