to reject a party invitation because of the party activity (football)

[bassingtonffrench]

This is really on behalf of my DS who I think is being unreasonable but I don't know how to change that.

DS has been invited to an eighth birthday party by a friend in his class. it is a five a side, company run football theme party. DS has said he won't go because he doesn't like football. He is really consistent about not liking football and is almost a bit phobic about it. Basically he knows he's not good at football and he can't deal with that.

he likes the child and has known him for years. He doesn't get that many party invitations, perhaps because he has a habit of isolating himself in this way, so I'm keen for him to go.

Should I go all out to persuade him? Perhaps by finding out who else is there? It would be reassuring to him if there are girls for example. Or should I just let it lie, accept his preferences, and politely decline?

Both my DS's would have declined. Both disliked football and still do as adults. Their friends were ok about it.

My two disliked swimming parties when they were younger, Nowadays neither would like a climbing wall party or paintballing.

Go Karting or Laserquest seems popular.

I am glad you have resolved this well.

My own 7 year old DS has a condition called ptosis, which is a droopy eye lid.

He has not 3D vision, depth perception or ability to judge distances, so football is pretty hellish for him too. I would have done the same as you.