Help with Exposure

[NicholsonPhotography]

Is there any way to fix this? No I did not shoot in RAW
I used a flash...When I didn't, the shadows were too harsh on their faces. Either way, editing advice would be appreciated.

 

[reg]

It looks completely blown out in many spots - once it's pure white there's nothing to recover.

 

[NicholsonPhotography]

Just thought there might be a way to darken the background and make the boys stand out more.

 

[Yahoozy]

you can try bringing down the highlights and lightening the shadows, then maybe bring down the whole brightness and add contrast once its more evened out

 

[NicholsonPhotography]

Do either of these look any better? Or is my editing too obvious?

 

[Zansho]

I'd suggest a vignette on the edges, using a separate layer and gradient tool.

 

[NicholsonPhotography]

And here are some vignettes:


Should I always use these thumbnails? Not sure if I'm breaking rules posting all these photos!
So, is the b&w better? I think it is, but I've been looking at these all night. And, if it is that much better, do I offer only the black and white to the mom? Or color also? I mean, honestly...Are the highlights that bad?
Thanks!

 

[NicholsonPhotography]

Ahh...I think I'm done editing...Unless any of you can see something I've overlooked. Thanks for your help, even if I just used this forum to "think outloud."