Dear Parents,
Responding to an invitation is as simple as a click. No stamps, no pens, and certainly no need to leave your cozy bed! It literally takes just seconds. I noticed you viewed the invite yesterday at 10:16 a.m., and your child mentioned to my daughter during recess that he’d be joining the celebration. So, what’s holding you back? Commitment issues, perhaps? If you’re unsure about attending, just click “Decide Later.” It’s that easy!
RSVPing to an evite is less complicated than getting dressed in the morning! Trust me, I’ve seen countless parents dropping off their kids at school still wearing their pajamas and clutching coffee mugs. Adulting can be overwhelming, I understand.
If you’ve lost track of the invitation in your inbox, that’s alright—I sent not one, but two reminders! That gives you three opportunities to respond. Yet, it seems that the RSVP is not as significant to you as it is to me. This impacts how much pizza to order, how large a cake to bake, and how many goodie bags to prepare. I guess I’ll just plan for the entire class and their siblings and hope for the best.
Then comes party day, and you decide it’s a perfect chance to drop off both of your kids, even though only one is invited. You disregard the fact that it’s a pool party for 8-year-olds and your younger child can’t swim. You simply ask the front desk if the party host is a guardian and send your little one in with a life jacket. Must be nice to be so carefree—though I might use another word for it.
I’m not trying to be uptight, but when I’m unexpectedly left to juggle the responsibility of entertaining a bunch of kids, I have to admit it gets a bit overwhelming. I had one child for a reason; I prefer to keep things manageable.
Rest assured, I kept an eye on your son while you indulged in some much-deserved caffeine. We’re all tired, after all. Did you think your status as a dad gave you a free pass? Were you unaware of the party etiquette? Regardless, it should be common sense that only invited guests attend. You weren’t the only one; a couple of other parents dropped off extra siblings, but at least they could swim!
When did it become acceptable to bring your entire crew to a party meant for just one child? Growing up, my siblings and I never attended parties together, and we certainly didn’t complain about it. If fairness is your goal, perhaps it’s better if you simply stay home. Or tell your younger child to tough it out when her older sibling returns home from a fun party with treats. Whatever you choose to say, it’s not my concern.
Perhaps I shouldn’t be too harsh. You did bring a gift to a no-gift gathering—a 2,000-piece puzzle featuring kittens. I’m really looking forward to assembling that when we get home! Just what I need after a chaotic afternoon with a bunch of excited kids.
I don’t expect gratitude, but I’ll be sending you a thank-you note for the challenging puzzle. I hope you enjoyed your coffee break!
Best regards,
A Frustrated Parent
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Summary
This letter expresses the frustrations of a parent dealing with the challenges of unresponsive parents regarding RSVPs for birthday parties. It highlights the importance of communication and etiquette in social gatherings, and reflects on how modern conveniences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.