Title: The Etiquette of Inviting Your Child's Platonic Partner on Family Vacations One of the joys of parenthood is creating happy memories with your children through family vacations. However, as much as we want to enjoy these moments, financial constraints always remain a concern. Recently, a reader wrote to us inquiring if it was necessary to pay for her daughter's best friend on their family trip. Of course, as parents, we want to show kindness and generosity to our children's friends. However, it's important to assess the situation and determine if inviting a platonic partner is necessary or practical. It's important to remember that family vacations are not meant to become an opportunity to show off your hospitable nature or to showcase your financial resources. Rather, it's an opportunity for bonding, relaxation, and quality time. While it's always important to show kindness and gratitude to our children's companions, we must also ensure that our financial resources are utilized exactly where they need to be. An extra ticket here or a treat there is part of the package, but there's nothing wrong with setting boundaries as well. It's essential to prioritize our financial responsibilities to ensure overall family stability and balance. In conclusion, it is not mandatory to extend the same hospitality to your child's best friend as you would to your own child's partner during a family vacation. It's essential to assess the situation, communicate with your child, and set clear boundaries with grace and empathy. Ultimately, keeping a balance in mind, you can create happy memories with all those who matter to you without putting yourself in financial strain. Mindful of costs, a reader wonders whether she and her husband are obligated to extend the same hospitality to their daughter's best friend as to their son's partner.
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