[QUOTE=onewhippedpuppy;3790574]Gary, I disagree. We just took our 3 year old to one of his preschool classmate's parties, he still talks about it. Every kid invited (15 or so), all had fun, nobody cried or had their feelings hurt. They had the party at a gymnastics place that had a cool kids area, then they set up an obstacle course in their large adult gymnastics area. Rope swings, pits full of foam, big trampolines, I wanted to join in.
It was very well organized, the three employees looked like they had a lot of experience with little ones. All the parents did was sit on the bleachers and talk while the kids played.
I agree a 3yr old can have fun at a gymnastics place with a cool kids area. They will have fun their because they can be a kid, and would have fun if it was a party or not. Note, a party or get together in this type of facility can be fun anytime, and their was no adult stress. As I said- this was like playing with the kids- they love that. Most parties, as this one being discussed, are planned at a home- where there is no cool kids area with an obstacle course. The kids don't care about cake, presents, or inviting the correct people. They want to play. Ask your son if the party, the hats, cake, or presents had anything to do with the great time he had. Or, was it simply a great fun play time. Kids love to play- and a successful party can be developed around that. Most parties are set up by adults- with dress codes, present opening ceremonies, rules- don't do this, don't spill that.... Have a get together- call it a party or not- on the kids terms and as you pointed out these can be fun! Plan appropriately, and as I said before have it somewhere besides your home- and you can have a great time. My kids are older- we learned the hard way as well-we went through all this years ago. By the time they were 4 we gave up on routine parties and just did play time groups at a gym, pool, or playground.
gary