Is this special, or just creepy?

[onenursebrandy]

We just returned from Disney 5/2. Our trip could be published as the next volume of Lemmony Snickets series of unfortunate events. We had a great time, but have decided to return 12/1 to do a "make-up" Christmas Trip.

While we were in parks, my DD16 was wearing a generic "celebration" pin. She was approached by a beautiful Princess Belle (she may have been 4, and obviously fresh from BBB) while in line. The little princess politely told my DD "Happy Birthday". My daughter realized it must have been her pin that triggered the birthday wishes, rather than correct her, she immediately returned the magic. Without skipping a beat, she whipped out her autograph book, told the little princess she had been trying to meet her all day. She requested and autograph and a picture with the little darling. The little girl was TICKLED that my daughter wanted her autograph, she was almost in tears when she turned back around to explain to her family, and her mom mouthed "thank-you" to my daughter. After the reaction my DD randomly approached several other little princesses. Reactions were all similar to the first one, and I have some great pictures of my daughter with Mini-Princesses.

My daughter asked if she can do it again when we go back. I started thinking about it, and thought I would ask for advice. Any other time/location, I would FREAK out if a random stranger approached my young daughter, even more so when she was 4-9ish. *just to note, there was one little princess who may have been tired or shy...she obviously wasn't "into" it, my daughter just told her she looked beautiful, instead of the other spill.

So princess moms, help me out. Is it ok for some random teenage girl to approach your princess and request an autograph and picture?

 

[Robo]

The answer can vary with each particular child and her parents.

I'd be very careful.

(Quietly asking the parent(s) BEFORE you approach the child directly might save some embarrassment all around.)

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I agree with Robo - the only possible exception being when you are forced together in close porximity (like a queue). In a queue, it is natural to talk to those around you. However, walking up to a child from out of no where and talking to him/her could set of a protective "mamma bear".

 

[rachellm]

As a mom to 2 small princesses (age 3 and 4) I think asking for an autograph is a very nice and cute gesture. Asking for a picture, I'd be less open to. I honestly don't know how I'd respond, but I wouldn't really be okay with that.

 

[pumpernickel]

As sweet as it is, if your daughter approached my little one and did that I would not be too pleased about it. In the initial situation I thought it was sweet and special.

 

[seethelight]

How sweet of your daughter! The autograph is cute and special. I would not be ok with random people wanting pictures of my girls.

 

[michellibell]

I'm a mother to two little girls (3 & 5). They would be thrilled to have requests for their autograph, and I wouldn't mind a bit.

 

[Robo]

The above posts bear out my hypothesis.


Be safe. Quietly ask permission of the parent(s.)

 

[shyjade]

A agree with the other Mama Bears.

The initial situation where she was responding to the little girl's interaction was sweet, but randomly going up to my little princess (if she were still a little princess) would be an uncomfortable situation, IMHO.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Your DD is a princess herself!! I think the autograph while in line is really cute, but not a picture and not to be approached randomly. I don't want strangers taking pictures of my kids.

It's kind of you to come here and ask for opinions.

 

[rccllap]

This guy is amazing...and he's been making little Princesses feel special for a long time!

http://www.today.com/moms/security-guard-who-makes-disney-dreams-come-true-916096#

 

[rachellm]

Fwiw, I don't know that you need to ask permission from the parents first (assuming you do autographs only ... no pictures.) I think this would work best when it happens naturually. Like you're standing near each other in a line, waiting for a show, etc. And the conversation just happens.

Strangers often talk to my kids. In stores, at the park, restaurants, etc. And I'm fine with that. I think speaking with other adults in a safe setting with mom/dad right there is always a good skill to work on.

I might be confused if someone tried to quietly ask me this. I wouldn't know what they were getting at or why : but if they just starting chatting, I'd catch on and I know my girls would be thrilled that someone thought they were a REAL princess.

 

[MrToadfan]

I think it was a sweet thing your daughter did and probably made that little Belle's day! In that situation, it was a back and forth exchange, and seems fitting enough. As far as randomly approaching other princesses, I have to say that as a mama, I would probably think it was cute if you asked for my daughter's autograph, but photographs would be a definite "no" for me.

 

[onenursebrandy]

Thanks. It confirms exactly what I thought. I was so proud of my daughter the first time. And I understand why she wanted to repeat the situation. After thinking about it, my momma bear came out, that's why I asked.

I will definitely let my DD read this thread, and encourage her to use less random encounters.

 

[chartle]

A agree with the other Mama Bears.

The initial situation where she was responding to the little girl's interaction was sweet, but randomly going up to my little princess (if she were still a little princess) would be an uncomfortable situation, IMHO.

this

OP you asking about two completely different situations. in the first, the 4 year old approached your daughter. in the second your daughter was approaching them and initiating the interaction.

in either case pictures start to cross a line.

 

[WsPrincess]

I have to agree. The autograph is cute but I would be unsure of photograph. I am not overly protective of pictures of my kids but I would be hesitant. In the first situation it happened naturally and that would not bother me but to be just approached is different to me.

 

[lilchief27]

Such a great gesture on the part of your daughter! I, too, agree with the other posters about no pictures. If you all happen to be standing in line & conversations are started with princess families, a cute autograph request is neat. Beyond autographs, I wouldn't allow my teen daughter take pictures. It may conflict w/ the "don't talk to strangers" lessons parents teach their children. Again, I commend her for being thoughtful of the little princess.

Your daughter may want to look into the Disney college internship program for the future, sounds like she has the makings of a great cast member with her desire to spread a little pixie dust

 

[6packdoesdisney]

Coincidence meetings and autograph requests seem just fine!
These lil princesses are dressed up to get attention, I believe.
I would not find a teenage girl politely and cutely interacting with the child creepy!
If it works out to be a very special encounter, ask about a photo when it feels right!
Heck, I would let the teen girl get a slew of inexpensive stickers or gems to give too, if she desired.
Your daughter is very special to have stumbled upon, GIVING magic, it will serve her well in the future.

 

[CampbellScot]

While I understand the protective reactions, it makes me sad. This is clearly a sweet girl with the purest of intentions. Absolutely nothing creepy about what she was doing or wanting to do. Unfortunately we live in a world in which we must be protective of our little ones. Even at Disney.

To the OP-your daughter sounds like a future Disney CM. I'd start talking to her about the college program!!!

 

[NHDisneyFan]

While I understand the protective reactions, it makes me sad. This is clearly a sweet girl with the purest of intentions. Absolutely nothing creepy about what she was doing or wanting to do. Unfortunately we live in a world in which we must be protective of our little ones. Even at Disney.

To the OP-your daughter sounds like a future Disney CM. I'd start talking to her about the college program!!!

Agree, nice post. 16yo sounds like a gem.