Family Is Invoiced for Being a No-Show at Kids' Birthday Party

A 5 year old boy is being invoiced for a "party no-show fee" to his classmates birthday party. If the invoice isn't paid, the party hosts plan to take the family to small claims court and collect.

What on EARTH?!

As a parent of a 6 year old boy, I know how unpredictable things can be. Especially when it comes to committing to anything. A birthday party is no different. You RSVP and your intention is to go, but if something comes up last minute that takes priority over a classmate's birthday party, you choose to sit that party out. It happens all the time. Right?

One mother wasn't having it.

5 year old Alex was invited to a birthday party during the holidays where the kids were to sled. Alex's family sent the RSVP confirming he would be there. The celebration was scheduled at the same time a day trip had been pre-planned with Alex's grandparents. Once the family realized Alex wasn't going to be at the birthday party, his father, Derek, searched for the birthday boy's contact information to let his mother know Alex wouldn't make it. He couldn't find anything so he just let it go.

The kids had been back in school for a couple of weeks when Derek discovered an envelope with an invoice inside. The invoice was requesting payment for Alex not showing up to the party. At first, they thought it was a joke.

Derek visiting the birthday boy's family to talk about the invoice and tell them he would not be paying the amount requested.

According to the Plymouth Herald, Derek said:

When she [the boy’s mum] answered the door I told her I had found the invoice in my son’s school bag and that I wasn’t happy about it. I told her I would not be paying her the money.
I told her she should have spoken to me first and not put the invoice in my son’s school bag.
I would have sympathised with her about the cost of Alex not showing up, but I just can’t believe the way she has gone around it.

What would you have done in this situation?

Read the entire story HERE along with the full conversation back and forth between parents.