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Somerset Today
By the People, for the People
Mom Calls Out 'Rude' Parents for No-Shows at 4-Year-Old's Birthday Party
Amber Clark's son was left disappointed when many of his friends failed to show up for his party, prompting her to shame the parents on TikTok.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A mom in the U.K. took to TikTok to call out the parents of her 4-year-old son's school friends who failed to RSVP or show up for his birthday party, despite her spending hours preparing the event. Amber Clark said her son was initially sad when many of his friends did not come, but she was able to quickly organize an impromptu celebration with close friends and family that ended up being a big success.
Why it matters
Birthday parties can be expensive and time-consuming for parents to organize, and children look forward to celebrating with their friends. When parents don't RSVP or show up, it can be disappointing for the birthday child and hurtful for the hosting parents who put in a lot of effort.
The details
Amber Clark spent three hours transforming her home into a play area for her son's 4th birthday party, with activities like Play-Doh, dress-up, and Lego. However, when the time came for the party, Clark realized many of the invited guests would not be attending, as their parents had failed to RSVP. This left Clark's son initially sad, and she had to make up excuses about why his friends weren't there. Clark was also seven weeks postpartum and recovering from a C-section, making the situation even more upsetting.
- Amber Clark's son turned 4 years old.
- The birthday party was scheduled for the day the incident occurred.
The players
Amber Clark
A mom of two from Somerset in the U.K. who organized her 4-year-old son's birthday party.
Amber Clark's son
The 4-year-old whose birthday party was affected by no-show guests.
What they’re saying
“I am going to mum shame. To the mums who did not RSVP to my son's 4th birthday you're extremely rude. At least have the decency to politely decline.”
— Amber Clark (TikTok)
“I hired out a whole soft play and people rsvp they were coming. 5th birthday for my little boy. No one turned up! He is now 7 and still now doesn't want to celebrate his birthday.”
— TikTok user (TikTok)
“I'll always make sure we attend birthdays (if possible). You never know how you're going to make that little child's day.”
— TikTok user (TikTok)
What’s next
Clark said she was able to quickly organize an impromptu celebration with close friends and family that ended up being a big success, and she followed up with a family day-out and visit to a local arcade and toy shop.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of RSVP'ing to children's birthday parties, even if you can't attend. Failing to do so can be disappointing for the birthday child and hurtful for the hosting parents who put in a lot of effort. Parents should make an effort to attend if possible, or at least politely decline, to avoid leaving a child feeling let down on their special day.
