A mum has sparked a debate after excluding one child from her daughter's birthday party to ensure she has a 'magical' day. She invited 20 children from her daughter's class to celebrate her seventh birthday, handing out invitations on the school playground.
However, the 28-year-old says her daughter, named Laura*, asked her not to invite the little girl who regularly teases her in front of all her other classmates. Taking to Reddit, she said: "One time Laura came home crying because the little girl was so mean to her, telling her she wasn't pretty and too chubby.
"Laura has come home crying several times because the girl has told her there's no way she's a cheerleader (Laura does cheering on weekends) because she wasn't 'pretty'. She has told Laura she couldn't play with the rest of the girls in the class when they were all playing jump rope at playtime.
"The other girls told her to let Laura play so when it was Laura's turn the girl purposely got her 'out' by not swinging the rope nicely. The teacher saw that happen."
When it came time to write up the invites, Laura asked her mum not to invite the little girl who has been bullying her - and her mum went along with her request.
"The other girl's mother called me to talk about it saying how her daughter is now crying an how she was the only kid not invited and everyone at school is talking about the party, she added.
"Laura's parties are known by her classmates to be very over the top. I explained her daughter isn’t nice to my daughter and that’s the reason she wasn’t invited - the mother knows this.
"The mother then asked if she had her daughter apologise and write Laura a letter whether we would reconsider. I told her we would not and it has become a big deal every time I see the mum.
"The mother said I'm teaching my child to be a 'bully' and use her wealth to make friends. I disagreed."
While most users shared a thought for the little girl who wasn't invited, others argued she doesn't deserve an invite due to previously bullying the birthday girl.
One user said: "Your daughter has every right to feel safe at her party.
"This is a thing this girl is going to miss out on and she’s upset about that, which I guess is understandable.
"But here is the thing - the mum didn't offer an apology before the party. She didn't pull her kid in line before the party and when it was brought up repeatedly with the school.
"She is only doing it now because her kid is the 'victim'.
"My main reason is because your kid deserves not to be walking on egg shells at her party. And I absolutely loath when parents continue to put their kids in contact with their bullies/abusers.
"Children or not. Your child deserves to feel safe."
Another user added: "Personally I think you should ask your daughter whether she will accept the apology and invite her.
"Reconciling is better then making the other kid hate her."
A third user said: "If that mum wants a good opportunity to be a parent, then she will see this as a teachable moment to her own kid.
"'See, act like an a**hole to the other kids and they won't want you around!'
"I'm going to go out on a limb though and say most of the kids who bully children are like that because their parents can't be bothered to be teaching them the stuff they need to learn."
*Laura's name has been changed for the purpose of this article.
Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com
