As a live event caricature artist I am at many parties where it seems the whole goal is to keep the kids moving. I did a party the other day where they had a bouncy castle in their dining room. I was hired to draw caricatures of the birthday party attendants. I drew for about 45 minutes before someone started up the bouncy castle. At that point all the kids left to go upstairs. After 10 minutes on the bouncy castle it was cake time so they all went there. I am thinking to myself you have paid me good money to be there for an hour, why not finish that before starting something else. A bouncy castle is expensive to rent so why use it for only 10 minutes?
They say our kids have a short attention span, but I don’t think it is the kids, I think it is the fear of the parents. I see it when they sit in the chair, they are looking to keep the child occupied, many times if they leave the child alone the child is fine. They are always amazed when the child sits there fine on their own. If you’re a parent teach your kids some patience and at the same time save some money. What you do now is shaping them later. Don’t be afraid to make them wait. My younger parties were just a cake and hotdogs and I grew up just fine!
About the Author
Bruce Outridge is a caricature artist and entertainer. To learn more about Bruce and his work please visit his website at www.bruceoutridgepriductions.com
Bruce Outridge Productions 
I really like reading an article that will make people think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!