After the "official" balloon making is over I explain quitely, to the kids, that everyone got a balloon and I need the rest of them for another party. One of them approaches you as you're heading out the door and you know another one will be right behind them. Remember you are in the middle of packing and leaving.

Q. My balloon broke?!?
A. So did mine! (that stops them right there) You know...when I make balloons I give them away. I gave away 20 balloons today. So.. my balloon... the one I gave you, broke....Pause...OUR balloon broke. We both had it for a while. Be happy...It's going to a better place. Here's what to do. Think good thoughts. I want you to put OUR balloon in the trash and it will be recycled. Some day it might even become part of a car or someones toy. Recycling is a good thing to do. Thank you very much. You are very helpful.

Now, before I get hate mail from all of you who think I'm being mean... "Why don't you just make the kid another balloon". I heard that! Please understand the circumstances. You are just heading out the door. There comes a time when enough is enough. The party started late, the pizza was late, the host asked if you could start late, you'll be late to your next show, it's 100 degrees out side and the kids are rubbing their balloons against the grass. You told them "Hold them in the air". You told them again and again, it's time to leave. So Now, Mr. Smartie pants, do you see the wisdom here? Instead of looking like a schlubb who beggs off by saying "I'm sorry, I have to go" what you're doing is A. Emototionally bonding with the child so they know you understood their pain. & B. You followed up by offering a solution in having them throw it away instead of it hanging from their hand looking bad for you. The child now feels they feel like the're helping. The last impression you want to leave is a 5 year old standing there with a broken balloon dangling from their hand as you are pocketing a fistfull of cash. Ok, Ok. Make all the kids "one last balloon" but don't blame me if you're late to your next show.