Conference moira::parenting

    Be prepared.  I had a birthday party at McDonald's 2 years ago for my
    son's 2nd birthday.  I invited the family on both sides (mine and
    hubby).  In the invitations I noted there would be cake, ice cream and
    coffee for the adults and the traditional happy meal party for the
    kids.  At the end of the party, McDonalds gave me a bill for $75. for
    the food the adults "charged" to the party.
    
    I don't know how I could have been more specific in the invitations,
    but it was the most expensive 2nd birthday on record in my family. 
    Never have I invited the entire family to a birthday party since that
    day.
    
    Good luck,
    Chris

I think numbers depends on your kid.  I've heard "one kid per year of age"
as a recommendation.

If your kid is outgoing, or older, that probably isn't needed.  When our
now 4 year old was younger, large crowds upset him, so we didn't bother
ever doing a large party until he reached 4.  We invited the kids, but
with younger kids, the parents generally understood that they would stay
for the party.  (If you have any doubts that they'd stay, I'd say on the
invite that you want them to for anyone under some age, etc.)

I went to a bowling party that worked well, that would probably work for
a large group, assuming your family expects this.

Charlie

     A bowling party for a three year old? You don't think that is kind of
    young? Also, to one of the previous noters, $75 for a birthday party is
    really not that much money. 

>> $75 for a birthday party is really not that much money. 

The point was, that bill was for the adult food, not the children's food (ie
parents "put it on the tab" instead of paying for it out of their own pockets).

bjm

    re: .3
    
    No, it's definitely not too young for my son.  He has been bowling
    since he was about 18 months old.  We started with candlepin and
    quickly moved up to tenpin.  He handles a 6 lb. ball better than some 5
    year olds.  Also, he has been influenced by both his parents who bowl.
    During his first year of life he spent once a week at the bowling alley
    while I bowled in league.  He is the only kid I know (his age) that
    will sit for 1 1/2 hours to watch the Professional Bowling Tour which
    is on Saturday afternoons.
    
    I have a 5-year old nephew and my son is about the same size so he is
    pretty big (and strong for his age).  I took him bowling a few weeks
    ago and video taped him.  He watches it almost daily!!
    
    Bowling is the PERFECT party for him!!  He may be the next Earl
    Anthony!!  ;-)
    
    As far as the $75 goes, I interpreted that as "in addition" to what
    was paid for the children's party.  So, if I expect to pay $90.00
    for this party for the kids I would be shocked to get a bill for 
    $165.00.
    
    /Karen

    No, the $75 was in addition to the cost of the party for the kids.  So,
    all in all it probably cost more like $140.00 for the entire party. 
    Remember this was a 2 year old's party.

    At the local bowling alley where we have had several successful parties
    for our kids, you get a couple of lanes (bumper bowling) for two hours. 
    There's an hour or so of bowling, then you do your cake and ice cream
    and presents.  You can bring in chips, soda pop, and light snacks like
    that.  They don't serve food.  I believe they charged the regular kids' 
    rate for bowling.  We
    paid for the kids' shoe rentals, which was inexpensive.  They let us
    put up some balloons and videotape the party.  Call the bowling alley
    and find out what they will allow you to do.  IT really varies from
    place to place.
    
    I don't know how old the kids involved are, but if there is a wide age
    range, I would try to get the older ones to keep an eye on the younger
    ones; plus be prepared with a few bucks' worth of quarters so the older
    ones can play video games, if there any games there.  I've been
    successful in hiring a teenager to help with the kids.  As to the
    adults, it really depends.  When my kids are at a party in a public
    place, like a roller rink, bowling alley, etc., I like to stay with
    them.  It gives me a chance to chat with the other parents, plus I have
    the peace of mind of keeping an eye on my own child.  My son (now 9) is
    old enough that he doesn't really want me to stay, but sometimes I
    explain to him that I'm going to do so anyway.
    
    YMMV,
    Kate 
      

    The ages of the kids do vary.  My son is 3 and I have a daughter who
    is 1 (though she won't be bowling).  The next youngest is 2, but she
    is also the same size as my son (i.e. wearing 4T clothes).  Then there
    is a 5-year old and the rest range from 7-13.
    
    Bringing quarters is a great idea.  I'll have to mention that to my
    sister's and brother since their kids will be the ones most likely to
    use the video machines. 
    
    I did plan on bringing a video camera to tape the party - hence this is
    where I may need help.  Since my kids are basically the youngest and
    need the most watching I will need help with watching them so that I
    can tape the party (or get someone else to tape the party).  My husband
    will be working and hopes to show up near the end of the party.  I was
    also planning to bring a cake and balloons.  I wasn't sure about the
    ice cream as I didn't know if there would be a place to store it so
    that it didn't melt (if they bowl first and eat later)??
    
    By the way this party is planned at Town & Country Bowl in Shrewsbury,
    MA this Sunday!
    
    Thanks for all the input!
    
    /Karen

    Karen,
    
    We haven't had a bowling party, but my brother and his fiance' were
    babysitting for my girls (~5 and 22 mos) a couple of weeks ago and they
    took them bumper bowling.  His fiance' also brought along 3 of her
    nieces and nephews (I think 2, 4 and 6).
    
    They had a blast!  Everyone bowled, even my youngest.  My brother took
    lots of pictures and I can't wait to see them.  During the following
    week my youngest kept bending over and showing everyone how she bowled.
    
    Definitely find someone to man the camera, you know how fast those
    little ones can disappear in a million different directions. 
    Thankfully, Alan and Mary had my aunt and one of Mary's brothers
    helping out.
    
    Have a great time!
    
    /Susan

    Thanks Susan!  I'm sure everyone will have a great time.  I have talked
    to a couple of my nephews (age 5 and 8) about it and they can't wait!
    The bowling alley does have bumpers so that everyone has a chance of
    knocking those pins down.
    
    Even though Meghan just turned 1 years old, she has been walking since
    9 1/2 months so she not only takes off really quickly, but she is also
    into "climbing" - worse than my son ever was - phew!  My older sister
    (who does not have any kids yet) has already offered to help watch
    Meghan.  I'm sure I can get one of my brother-in-laws to take on the
    videocam duty!
    
    /Karen