My teen was invited on a friend's family trip; it should be their shout

"I was not expecting the email from them once they came home..."

Image: iStock

A mother has received an unexpected surprise after being handed a bill for her teenage daughter’s holiday.

Her 16-year-old had been invited to Costa Rica by her friend and her family.

“I assumed they would only charge for her food and activities like zip lining. Nope,” the mum wrote in an advice-seeking post. 

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"Sent me the bill via email"

“They are asking for a portion of her accommodations and car rental as well. Why on earth did I assume she was tagging along?” she explained.  

“The mum sent me the bill via email... it would be a great face to face conversation to negotiate a compromise.”

The reason she assumed that would be the case is because she herself allowed the same treatment for her daughter’s friend two years ago.

“I would never dream of charging so much when I was going away,” she added. 

The financial burden isn’t going to cause much of a struggle.

“We have the money so this ain’t gonna break me. I just want to have a conversation."  

Image: iStock

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"Only expected to have spending money"

Reddit users were torn.

“ It sounds like they brought a friend to supplement their vacation,” one commenter suggested. 

“This is garbage. Parents in my friend group only expected you to have spending money,” said another. 

“It's extremely tacky of them,” a third criticised. 

However some questioned why money hadn’t been a conversation before the trip. 

“If this wasn't discussed before the trip was agreed on then you shouldn't have to pay,” one person suggested. 

“What was going to be owed 100% should have been discussed before the trip,  “ another agreed.  

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Thankfully, the mum has had some resolution.  

“I can’t believe it. I did nothing and I got an email today removing the fee. I can’t believe it! I just saved myself a lot of money by doing nothing,” she said.

However it’s been a big lesson.

“Next time I will definitely communicate my exact expectations.” 

Originally published as My teen was invited on a friend's family trip; it should be their shout