When it comes to planning a child's birthday party, most parents will ask their little ones how they'd like to spend their special day, while others will make plans in secret to surprise them. But one mum has divided opinions after inviting all but one child from her daughter's class to her seven-year-old's birthday party - saying she doesn't deserve to come because she has previously bullied her.
Taking to Reddit, the 28-year-old mum explained how she has been planning her daughter's birthday party and invited 20 children from her school to celebrate with her on her special day. However, she says her daughter, named Laura*, asked her not to invite another little girl who has teased her on the playground on a number of occasions, making her feel bad about herself.
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 mum handed the invites out to parents on the playground as they waited to collect their children at the end of the school day, but she was soon questioned by the other mum, who wanted to know why her child was being excluded.
"The other girl's mother called me to talk about it saying how now her daughter is 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 hasn't been 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 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 to ensure she remains anonymous.
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