Mother who's charging kids to attend birthday party surprisingly convinces This Morning viewers it's a 'brilliant idea'
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A mother who's charging kids to attend her twins' birthday party was almost universally slammed when she first sat down on This Morning.
Single mum Ruma Ali, 29, is hosting a party for the twins, Shiyan and Kiyan, and invited 60 of their classmates from their primary school in Leicester.
This caused controversy after one parent anonymously criticised her on Facebook, but she took to the This Morning sofa to defend her position.
And surprisingly, Ruma actually managed to convince the majority of viewers that charging kids to attend was a "brilliant idea" as it's actually cheaper than buying two gifts.
(Image: ITV)
(Image: Leicester Mercury/Ruma Ali)
Ruma, who is in her second year at De Montford University studying for a degree, is asking parents to contribute £6 towards the £11 cost per child of the party at a soft play centre.
She explained that she made the decision as the boys, who have special needs, are in two separate classes so have a lot of friends and she didn't want anyone to miss out.
Speaking to Eamonn and Ruth, she said: "I spoke to the parents and said I'm organising this party. I want to invite every child in the class, 60 children, they're in different classes.
"It's not that I can't afford it, I can, the parents said if you don't want presents please let us contribute. I said that's alright contribute half."
(Image: ITV)
(Image: Leicester Mercury/Ruma Ali)
Putting forward her case, Ruma argued that it was better than her children having 30 presents each that they don't need.
While every child will get a gift bag and have fun at the soft play centre with bumper cars and hot food.
She said: "Out of the 60 it was one person, an anonymous person, who had a problem and had this rant on social media."
Ruma added: "It's my way of doing it. It's a different way. I’m teaching my children they should contribute and not expect other people to pay for things."
(Image: ITV)
(Image: ITV)
This Morning viewers were divided on Twitter, but lots backed Ruma's decision.
One viewer said: "I like her idea. Especially since her children has special needs. They would be buying presents anyway so what difference does it make?"
Another added: "I don't think this lady on This Morning has done anything wrong, it's better than getting loads of unwanted presents"
A third said: "At first I thought it was very rude but after hearing the explanation I think it’s a brilliant idea!"
* This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am