Help me to make my boys feel special?

[Disneyadore]

sorry but I have to say this is the weirdest thread I think I've seen yet!

Why on EARTH would anyone want people to come up to your kids and tell them how special they are?? More bizarre than I can even imagine.

To go to Disney once for most people is one of the most memorable and special things in their lives and childhoods ..... what is it with people wanting to be even MORE special, how far do you want to go? What is this mad urge to make everything amazing, totally over the top, more awesome than awesome can ever be, doing Disney isnt enough - we want MORE attention from the CM's, we want MORE towel animals, we want to get birthday greetings every day of our trip even though the birthday is just for one day etc etc etc

..... our parents didnt do it to us and wow diddly - we made it to adulthood just fine.

odd odd odd .... very very odd.

Well no not everyone. We like to go our own very merry way and not be bothered by strangers.
We feel very uncomfy to be in the spot of attention by wearing a pin.
My husband would freak out if everyone was shouting happy birthday ore congratulations.
Modesty is something we learned and the sooner a child knows he's nothing special the better.

 

[Zeebs]

To each his own and if this floats your boat

I personnel would never approach strange children unless they would be in immediate danger.
I never considered it my duty to make cranky children happy that are obviously worn out by there parents.
It is MY duty to keep MY child happy, take time to nap ore eat something. That there are parents that press the last drop of blood out of there children just because "they payed Disney enough money" is not my problem.
Next year my sister, BIl and my niece will be joining us and I can tell you that if a stranger would approach my niece my BIL would be very pi......

I guess German Sheppard blood runs through our veins as a family, perhaps we are even werewolves who knows

Obviously this thread is totally going off topic, but while I realise it is my duty to make my children happy, that doesn't stop me from being aware of others in the world. Not all children are cranky or crying cause they have been pushed so hard by their parents. My child fell at Disney and hurt himself, you know what the kind lady who stopped to get his attention got his mind off his sore head which was more than I was able to up to that point. Maybe that says something about my parenting, I don't know but you know what I was thankful to that lady. It cost her nothing to have a little bit of compassion, to say something nice on her way past.

I really wish there were more people in the world who were willing to look out for others, random acts of kindness.

We recently met an on line friend, I took her little girl a wee gift from New Zealand. I realise there are many out their that contribute to these boards but would never make arrangements to meet them for fear of the unknown.

For the record, while not condemming what the OP asked, I wouldn't do that either. Not for the reasons listed, but because I enjoyed Disney plenty without having the worry of actually arranging times to meet people etc.

My boys were given a Canadian Pin each by some people in the airport. They love them now on their notice board at home, my eldest says they came from those people that live in Canada.

Anyway I have bla'd on for a bit now. I guess if it isn't something that you want to do, don't do it.

Kirsten

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

What Zeebs said, exactly!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Obviously this thread is totally going off topic, but while I realise it is my duty to make my children happy, that doesn't stop me from being aware of others in the world. Not all children are cranky or crying cause they have been pushed so hard by their parents. My child fell at Disney and hurt himself, you know what the kind lady who stopped to get his attention got his mind off his sore head which was more than I was able to up to that point. Maybe that says something about my parenting, I don't know but you know what I was thankful to that lady. It cost her nothing to have a little bit of compassion, to say something nice on her way past.

I really wish there were more people in the world who were willing to look out for others, random acts of kindness.

We recently met an on line friend, I took her little girl a wee gift from New Zealand. I realise there are many out their that contribute to these boards but would never make arrangements to meet them for fear of the unknown.

For the record, while not condemming what the OP asked, I wouldn't do that either. Not for the reasons listed, but because I enjoyed Disney plenty without having the worry of actually arranging times to meet people etc.

My boys were given a Canadian Pin each by some people in the airport. They love them now on their notice board at home, my eldest says they came from those people that live in Canada.

Anyway I have bla'd on for a bit now. I guess if it isn't something that you want to do, don't do it.

Kirsten

I think you might be missing the point. Random (stressing the Random part) acts of kindness are one thing. Preplanning strangers to come up to your children bearing gifts and knowing all about them and telling them that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread is not only weird but very disturbing.

We have had some wonderful conversations with people in our travels. Our children have even been complimented by strangers etc. It was spontaneous. We did no plan to have random people coming around telling them how awesome they are. That goes beyond Disney Magic or asking if the child next to you at the parade would like a glo stick.

As far as meeting people we "talk" to online, no I wouldn't plan a meetup. Not because of some fear, I just don't want to waste my vacation time planning a meet up with someone. I want to spend my time with my family enjoying them. If I see a LGMH in the parks I might ask them if they Dis but that is about it. We talk to people all the time and have met the most wonderful people. Again- spontaneous and not planned to treat us like celebrities.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Well I'm very sorry but I would never allow my children to accept anything from strangers.

OMG, are you serious?? This has got to be one of the strangest comments I've read on the dis (and believe me - I've read many!)What is wrong with a little boy/girl handing out innocent glow sticks to other little children? Why are you making your kids so afraid to leave the womb? When we were waiting for the P&PP parade last year, there was the cutest little girl handing out glow stick to my boys as well as other kids. I would never in a million years think to tell my boys not to accept this - whether it be glow sticks, stickers, or whatever. Seriously!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I think you might be missing the point. Random (stressing the Random part) acts of kindness are one thing. Preplanning strangers to come up to your children bearing gifts and knowing all about them and telling them that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread is not only weird but very disturbing.

We have had some wonderful conversations with people in our travels. Our children have even been complimented by strangers etc. It was spontaneous. We did no plan to have random people coming around telling them how awesome they are. That goes beyond Disney Magic or asking if the child next to you at the parade would like a glo stick.

As far as meeting people we "talk" to online, no I wouldn't plan a meetup. Not because of some fear, I just don't want to waste my vacation time planning a meet up with someone. I want to spend my time with my family enjoying them. If I see a LGMH in the parks I might ask them if they Dis but that is about it. We talk to people all the time and have met the most wonderful people. Again- spontaneous and not planned to treat us like celebrities.

She's not missing the point...she's responding to the poster who thinks random acts of kindness are creepy.

 

[Disneyadore]

OMG, are you serious?? This has got to be one of the strangest comments I've read on the dis (and believe me - I've read many!)What is wrong with a little boy/girl handing out innocent glow sticks to other little children? Why are you making your kids so afraid to leave the womb? When we were waiting for the P&PP parade last year, there was the cutest little girl handing out glow stick to my boys as well as other kids. I would never in a million years think to tell my boys not to accept this - whether it be glow sticks, stickers, or whatever. Seriously!

My kids are grown up and believe me there not afraid of anyone,anything or even the devil himself if necessary just like there mum.
In fact we eat raw Devils for breakfast.

 

[sunnyday123]

She's not missing the point...she's responding to the poster who thinks random acts of kindness are creepy.

I think alot of people are missing the point.

Random acts of kindness are just that, random. Not pre-planned, meet and "Oh my gosh you are going to be a huge star Disney is looking for you!" acts. Which are odd, and could potentially set a kid up for a huge amount of disappointment, especially if that child really has their heart set on something. Every whim doesn't have to be followed through, and quite frankly if BEING in Disney isn't enough for said kid, they should stay home.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I think alot of people are missing the point.

Random acts of kindness are just that, random. Not pre-planned, meet and "Oh my gosh you are going to be a huge star Disney is looking for you!" acts. Which are odd, and could potentially set a kid up for a huge amount of disappointment, especially if that child really has their heart set on something. Every whim doesn't have to be followed through, and quite frankly if BEING in Disney isn't enough for said kid, they should stay home.

Yes, that was the original point of this thread, but, as most other threads, it has taken a different turn, as well. That person was responding to the person who thinks random acts of kindness are creepy, so it was on point for that discussion within this thread.

What do those of you who think making Disney extra special is silly think of the personalized (and often cheaper!!) autograph books people make for their families, the custom outfits, buying/making costumes, booking character meals, Tinkerbell gifts, etc? This is a genuine question.

 

[love_mickey]

I can understand wanting to do something like that for your child.I have a 4 yr old who loves GreenDay and thinks he is a rock star its cute and i love seeing him act like that and perhaps one day he will.But i my self do not want to put him up on cloud 9 and see him get hurt. I can see someone giving ur child something like when mickey mouse wrote to my son asking him to come ist him at disney and going to his christmas party.He loved it but i wouldnt have someone or my self tell my child they are the next big thing. I wouldnt hurt them for nothing nor let someone else hurt them and by doing so they will get hurt when they figure it out they would also be peed off not that i could blame them... Well just wanted to say what i thought good luck with what ever you do.I dont have a problem with random acts of kindness i think it great btw I only protect my kids from getting hurt and they know they dont take anything from someone unless i say its ok.

 

[sunnyday123]

Yes, that was the original point of this thread, but, as most other threads, it has taken a different turn, as well. That person was responding to the person who thinks random acts of kindness are creepy, so it was on point for that discussion within this thread.

What do those of you who think making Disney extra special is silly think of the personalized (and often cheaper!!) autograph books people make for their families, the custom outfits, buying/making costumes, booking character meals, Tinkerbell gifts, etc? This is a genuine question.

As one of those people who made an autograph clip-board and brought Disney themed clothes-along with a freakin huge Cinderella dress, I think that's fine.

HOWEVER, when you are asking complete strangers to tell your child, in a pre-planned meet, that he is going to be a huge star, and Disney wants him, he's going to be the next who-ever, it's crosses the line. I still think it's setting totally unrealistic expectations for the kid, and why would you want to do that? The kid will bounce through Disney the rest of the time waiting to be discovered, then what if he has a complete melt-down upon leaving with no contract for a show???

Everyone thinks their kids are special, and everyone does extra things for a trip to Disney-trust me, I planned a suprise trip, printed out invites to dinner, etc-however did I ask someone to tell DD she was in line for the next Cinderella from what they heard at the BBB???? Nope. I wouldn't want to listen to her asking when they were coming to escort her to the Castle all 7 days!!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

As one of those people who made an autograph clip-board and brought Disney themed clothes-along with a freakin huge Cinderella dress, I think that's fine.

HOWEVER, when you are asking complete strangers to tell your child, in a pre-planned meet, that he is going to be a huge star, and Disney wants him, he's going to be the next who-ever, it's crosses the line. I still think it's setting totally unrealistic expectations for the kid, and why would you want to do that? The kid will bounce through Disney the rest of the time waiting to be discovered, then what if he has a complete melt-down upon leaving with no contract for a show???

Everyone thinks their kids are special, and everyone does extra things for a trip to Disney-trust me, I planned a suprise trip, printed out invites to dinner, etc-however did I ask someone to tell DD she was in line for the next Cinderella from what they heard at the BBB???? Nope. I wouldn't want to listen to her asking when they were coming to escort her to the Castle all 7 days!!

See, we're talking about completely different facets of this thread. I really have no opinion on the OP's idea. If it makes her kid's day to be famous for a second, fine. If they decide that the experience is special enough, fine.

I'm addressing the previous point that random acts of kindness are creepy and "if being at Disney isn't special enough, stay home" mentality. Actually, looking back, you said that. Why would you bother to make and take special things when you feel that way? For us, yes, Disney itself is an amazing experience, especially for a wide-eyed little one who truly believes all the magic, but, honestly, aside from our family, who cares if I want to make our experience extra special?

 

[Zeebs]

She's not missing the point...she's responding to the poster who thinks random acts of kindness are creepy.

Thank you, I did also state that the post had gone off topic, so I was referring to the poster who did say that if anyone approached their niece, they and BIL would be pi......

Mouse House Mama

I understand what you are saying, with regards to having someone come up and big up your children, however, I suspect it wouldn't come off the way it was explained about in the original post. That said though, it to me seems like an extension on "doing special things" for Disney and who are we to say whether this special thing is right or wrong for the OP's children.

My kids are just happy to be at Disney, I do some special things just because a trip is a big deal and it is fun.

Kirsten

 

[Pinnie]

I can see it now. Main Street. Child gets approached and told by someone that they are "special" and presents them with ears. Now everyone in earshot is going to want their little snowflake deemed special. Look out Disney!

I am thinking that the OP is the one that has be validated, not the child. All kiddos are special. What is the motive for setting this child up? Methinks the OP needs to read the book A NATION OF WIMPS by H. Marano.

pinnie

 

[disykat]

What do those of you who think making Disney extra special is silly think of the personalized (and often cheaper!!) autograph books people make for their families, the custom outfits, buying/making costumes, booking character meals, Tinkerbell gifts, etc? This is a genuine question.

I would assume people are doing those things because they want to, not because they feel a Disney trip isn't special enough.

No one will ever convince me that "how can I make Disney special" is a reasonable question.

 

[HLDisney]

I could be wrong but I think the person who said that they would give the OP's son a pair of Mickey ears said that they were going to say how Mickey was looking forward to meeting him, not how special he was. That's not much different from the wording of the fairy godmailer postcards....

Helen

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I would assume people are doing those things because they want to, not because they feel a Disney trip isn't special enough.

No one will ever convince me that "how can I make Disney special" is a reasonable question.

I think this is getting nitpicky.

So, if I were to ask for ideas that fall under the same category as books, costumes, etc., how should it be worded? I, personally, would say something along the lines of "Any special treats that you made for your trip?" or "Did you do anything to make your trip extra special?" The word just fits, and I think it's a perfectly reasonable question. And for what it's worth, the OP didn't ask how to make Disney special, she asked how to make her boys feel special. I see a difference.

BTW, I do those things (this trip my kids will have photo autograph books, custom outfits, costumes, personalized shirts, character meals, etc., etc.) because I want to and to make the trip extra special.

 

[JeMarie6]

Modesty is something we learned and the sooner a child knows he's nothing special the better.

I hope my children NEVER feel like they are nothing special! Though I recognize everyone has the right to their own perspective, this comment in itself makes me very sad.

 

[Sapper383]

Sorry guys but I realy can't belive how horrible some people are being. yes we can all have an opinion but sometimes its good to keep that to ourselves.

I don't think anyone should take pleasure in making someone else feel bad....Disney is such a happy place and I find it difficult to believe that anyone can have negative thoughts when talking about disney.

Every day in the press we are reminded of the dangers that exist in our world but at Disney World, whilst not dropping your guard completly, you can relax in the knowlegde that you are in a relitivly safe environment for you and your children.

If we all considered other peoples feelings our world might be a better place

 

[LWatson]

While what the OP is asking is not something I would ask for, if someone is willing to help her accomplish it then so be it. It is honestly none of business, and wont change my vacation any.

How many of you out there have told your child(ren) that they will be President, a pro football player, etc one day if that is what they want to do? Maybe the OP is trying to show her kids not to give up on a dream. She might be doing it in a way that maybe not all of us would do or feel comfortable doing, but who are we to judge?

I asked people a few weeks ago to help me w/ some ideas on how to make a special day for my husband. I'm not talking like making him the center of attention, but I wanted to show him how much I appreciate what he has done the past year (being deployed). I got great ideas (and one really nice email) and ended up deciding on one of them (a beer basket from Disney Florist for our down day so he could watch football and relax in the room while I have the kids). Was it wrong for people to help me get ideas....according to some of you yes. Though Disney is really special in itself I wanted to show him our appreciation (esp since the money he made being deployed is what provided the vacation) in an additional special way. Maybe we should stop and think about the little things we add to make each of our trips special b4 we judge. I'm sure some of you have bought a cake for a child, or ordered a gift basket, or decorated the room...etc.