Expert: Amanda Gamble - 5/16/2008

Question
My 8 year old son invited all of his 2nd grade class to his birthday party at a
local bowling alley.  Only 3 out of 16 children are coming.  The party is the
day after tomorrow and is 2 hours long.  I don't want to dissapoint my son,
but only 3 kids - what should I do?  Should I call them and cancel or go
ahead with it and try to make the best of it?  Should I shorten the party to 1
hour and tell the parents as they arrive or is that too late?  I don't want the
kids to be bored.  2 hours seems too long for so few.  Please help!  Any
suggestions for making it more exciting would help as well.  Thanks so
much!

Answer
Dear Rita,
 The worst thing you could do would be to cancel this party. Your
child will be so hurt and disappointed. Four kids is plenty for a
party.

 5-10 minutes to ask for and put on their little bowling shoes.

 5-10 minutes to select the proper weight bowling ball.

 5-10 minutes to type in their names for the overhead score board.

 The actual game or games. Cake and presents. Plus picking out
music for the juke box and playing an arcade game or two? Sooner
or later a bathroom break will happen.

  Two hours will go very very quickly. Please don't cancel and
give your child the impression that the guests were more important
than he was. Yes,as the 'host' he needs to entertain them and see
that they have a good time,but the party is in his honor. One
guest or twenty,it's his day.

                                Best regards,
                                  Amanda Gamble