Low turnout for daughter's party

[Anonymous]

I live in a state where COVID restrictions have been super lax (gov put in anti-mask mandate for schools). My kids are in daycare and not required to wear masks. For my daughter's 5th birthday party we invited 20 kids and wrote on the invite that we will try to spend time outside and encourage mask wearing inside for adults. 3/20 kids are coming (when we go to other parties turnout is more like 10-15 kids).

I feel bad for my daughter but also feel like I'm okay if that's the reason why people aren't showing up?

But was I unreasonable in putting that note inside the invite? Was it pointless if the kids are in school together and not wearing masks? My thought was they are in a bubble but the parents don't interact and so asking parents to wear masks inside felt like a good way to prevent the adult to adult transmission when we're not around eachother.

Any ideas for how to make it the best party ever for my daughter?

[Anonymous]

Is there something else going on that weekend? Maybe people are already committed to something else.

I would get the best bouncy house/clown/petting zoo/face painting/whatever you can find to make it a fun party for those kids. Make awesome goody bags. Maybe invite a few older cousins (if she has them) or neighbors. The littles always love being around older kids.

[Anonymous]

Your kids aren’t wearing masks in school? Where are you?

[Anonymous]

Parents interact with their kids who interact with other kids. There’s no bubble. You’re being a bit ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Where is the party? If it is at your house, I’d be thrilled 3 kids rather 20 are coming. I think 3 kids to play with for a 5th birthday is awesome. Did you tell your daughter you invited the whole class and talk it up?

[Anonymous]

Are there grandparents, aunts and uncles you can invite?

[Anonymous]

I sincerely doubt your 5 year old will care how many show up as long as you let them play and eat cake.

And being from a red state. Yes, mentioning mask wearing probably deterred a lot of people. But who cares? I doubt you want to be friendly with those folks anyway.

[Anonymous]

If you live in a state that has anti mask mandates, any mention of masks indoors will cause people to turn away. And I say this as someone who requires masks inside.

I would be happy with the three kids, and you and the parents may have more in common.

[Anonymous]

If you’re only having a few kids, you can do awesome crafts, or pony rides, or killer goodie bags. She’s five, she’ll still have fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where is the party? If it is at your house, I’d be thrilled 3 kids rather 20 are coming. I think 3 kids to play with for a 5th birthday is awesome. Did you tell your daughter you invited the whole class and talk it up?

+1!!

[Anonymous]

Your request just seems silly to me. These people are not masking generally. I mean were you just trying to appear better than others, more careful, more smart then others?

[Anonymous]

There’s so much going on this time of year, with school and work and kids activities. It really is “high season” in many ways for…stuff. I’m sorry.

[Anonymous]

The mask thing might deter some, but I’m guessing the fact that you’re probably having it Halloween weekend has more to do with the low attendance.

[Anonymous]

Who knows? We had a bday party at an outside venue recently for our child and we required 100% masking at all times except when eating (then social distance.) Zero regrets. I am not going to be the one facilitating spreading events.

[Anonymous]

It's this weekend? Probably a lot of Halloween conflicts.