What’s every bodies thoughts on what to do when a friends birthday party clashes with weekend sport?
Is it ok to pull out from team to attend?
Should one attempt both?
Do you let the child (10) decide?
Possibly leaving team short.
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8 Replies
I always tried to do both when mine were younger, even if we only made it to half the party but if it was a complete clash sport came first. I'm not even super fussed about sport, I am big on accountability and following through with one's commitments though.
If we absolutely couldn't come, I'd still grab the birthday kid a gift and arrange a playdate for another time.
However when my kids expressed an interest in their sport we discussed all that in advance and how it would mean occasionally games would interfere with birthdays, playdates and other fun stuff. I explained that their choice to participate in a team sport meant that their sporting commitments come first.
One decided to go ahead and play sport, the other decided her social life wasn't something she wanted to sacrifice lol.
Op here - thank you for your kind respites. We will def try to make it for the last part but honour our commitment!
I've had numerous good friends of my kids not attend their parties because of sporting commitments. If we've got commitments mine can't go either. It's not really an issue.
If your child really wants to go, could you possibly drop by before or after to give a gift? Even if the party hasn't started or is over?
I'm against teaching kids it's ok to ignore commitments & let others down for a better offer. If you commit, you go unless it's unavoidable.
Op here This is my gut instinct too. Thank you for your response. I was feeling a little insecure in that.
I’m a mum that says team sports over birthday parties.
Just recently my son missed his best friends party; I gave him the option to go; but he said no in favour of sport. They’ve been friends their entire lives (was friends with mum before they were born)
The mother of the child was crushed (we’ve been friends for many years) but the bday child and my son didn’t care very much at all.
It’s only one day; and we went for dinner another time to celebrate with us; so they didn’t miss out.
I gave my son a choice because as adults; everything’s about choice. My child is 10 too
Thank you so much for sharing! This is my sons favourite game of the week. So he isn’t keen to Miss at all either. He will def be sad and I like you will make it up to the birthday boy on another day!
I think give the child a choice, if it becomes too overwhelming then step in and make it easier. I think it all depends on the situation like if that friend is close, are they always going to be able to see each other or is one moving away, is the sport a final or an important game. Maybe they could play the first half then leave?
I would.do both if able to. But if not I would give my child the option but wouldn't be to phased if they miss one sporting event to go to a friend's birthday party