Mother Invited 22 Children To Her Son’s Birthday Party And No One Came – Leaving Her Heartbroken

Dawn took a video of her six-year-old son’s party 30 minutes after it began. The park is set with party decorations, cupcakes, candles — but no one came. The entire park is empty. She had invited over 20 people to the outdoor gathering, which was allowed according to her local lockdown rules. 

In a video she posted on TikTok showing the sad scene, she said, “So we’re sitting at the park for JJ’s birthday party, we got everything ready, his party started half an hour ago. He had literally zero people show up for his birthday. My poor little man.” [1] 

No One Came to Her Son’s Birthday Party

In the caption of the video, she further explained, “Out of 22 invites… no one came… I know it’s a pandemic, but it is a park, and we have reopened in my province. Sorry the video is shaky, I am so upset for this poor guy. He deserves better. He’s amazing.” In the distance in the video, a little boy, most likely JJ, plays by himself. 

However, the clip went viral and viewers jumped to support the birthday boy. The comments were filled with people who had similar experiences, and requests for the family’s address so they could mail gifts to JJ.

“My mamma heart just broke. I have questions, what is he into right now? Where can I send him gifts? I am dead serious,” a mother said.

“This happened with my son’s eighth birthday party. I’m so sorry, I lied and told him that I must not have put stamps on the invitations,” said one comment. And Dawn responded to this directly in a follow-up video. “I kind of did the same thing. I didn’t want JJ knowing anything was up so I made a whole bunch of phone calls.”

“This is why we ALWAYS show. No matter what. My girl is there with a gift and a smile,” said another mom in the comments.

“PLEASE tell me you told him you accidentally got the day wrong,” many begged. [2]

@dawners86

heart broken. #heartbroken #sosad #hurt #wow #lonely #poorguy #sadboy #birthday #happybirthday #omg #cry♬ SAD – Instrumental – Nhím Stone

Salvaging the Situation

Dawn contacted some fellow parents and family friends to explain the situation and asked them if they could come to the park as quickly as they could. Of course, it’s difficult to expect people to drop everything and come at the last minute. However, two families showed up and one mom had brought a homemade gift for JJ. “No school friends,” Dawners added. “But the backup showed up. They understood the assignment.”

And in response to the offer to send presents to the family address, Dawn replies that she and JJ “greatly appreciated” the comments “but he doesn’t need any toys.”

“Instead, he has asked very politely if you guys would send any extra gifts to the children’s hospital closest to you,” Dawn said. “He has toys. He just wanted to spend some time with his friends.”

However, in another video, she published a list of things JJ likes to give people ideas to donate to local children’s hospitals. The list included ‘How to Train your Dragon’, dinosaurs, puzzles, books, and coloring supplies. [3]

What If No One Comes?

Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon to throw a child’s party where no one came. Many parents are able to salvage the situation like Dawn by inviting people last minute. While RSVPs could help determine a guest list, not everyone could be counted on to attend. Things happen last minute — plus there may be those who don’t honor their word. However, it could help to sent invitations straight to the parents as opposed to relying on the children to notify them about the party. Children aren’t always reliable at communicating information and it could prevent some mix-ups.

Plus, there’s always the option to nix the party. If a child is born on a holiday or during the summer months, many of their friends may be unable to attend due to family arrangements. If that’s the case, don’t rely on people canceling their New Years’ or long weekend plans. Instead, take the child — plus a friend or two — out to an amusement park, restaurant, movie, or other activity they’ll enjoy. They don’t need a party to have fun on their special day.

And in the tragic case where no one came to their party, don’t spend the day being angry at the people who didn’t show up. Above all else, be there for the child. As sad as it is for the parent, an abandoned party is much more depressing to the child. And it’s up to the parent to make sure the child has a good time anyway. There’s always time to hate on the no-shows after the child is consoled and happy.

Don’t forget to be a good guest too. RSVP as soon as possible, and honor that commitment. You’ll never know how much your presence could make a difference.