I don't know if this is where to post this, but I couldn't find a better spot.
what do you do with the "know it all" kids (or anyone for that), that you just want to because they don't keep their trap shut???????? they give the ending of the trick away because they have seen it before or they think they know how it is done... or anything. Thank you for the help
Grand Illusions

No easy answer to that one, but depending on circumstances here are a few of my responses...1} let them predict the ending and then do what ever you have to do to make it end differently, you usually only have to do that once! 2) Use that child as your assistant and have a quiet word - make him/her your partner eg "we know how it works but no need to spoil it for them"...or offer to teach them a real trick after the show in return for their silence now. 3)Mostly they are not doing it to be mean, only to look good in front of their peers - resist the temptation to sucker them though as this has the potential to turn them nasty, and really isn't nice any way.4) I have on occasion asked them to come up and do the trick though - they are mostly lost and if you help them out you become a hero in their eyes as well as the other children.5) Threaten to turn anyone who misbehaves or calls out into a frog - kids usually love this idea, until I explain that while I have learn't the turning into bit really well, I haven't got the book for the turning back bit yet, so it could be a really long wait!
One more obvious thing - if your market is anything like the one I work in they proabably HAVE seen most of the standard/tired old "magic tricks for children" before and are quite right to complain sometimes. Not suggesting that you do it but I recently saw three children's magicians perform at three different public events(went along to pick up some tips on performing!) and was staggered to see the same show three times!More staggered to see tricks performed complete with word for word patter they were sold with, and constant "and now I am going to do another magic trick" fill in from the magician.
I am sure others have much better suggestions, good luck
Kaz

Great suggestion on not doing the same thing others are doing. For "older kids" b/d parties I include things from my "adult" shows. Such as Red Hot Mama - ( with appropriate patter) I use a sticker as well as a stranger card.

Harris