HELP! my child is terrified

[frndofpooh]

Does he know that they are just people in a suit?? Might be the time to kill the magic in order to save the trip.

Agreed. Are there any upcoming events in your area, like book fairs, community events etc. where there might be a person in a character suit? A local Chuck E. Cheese? Perhaps you could take him there so he could see the character with its head off to prove it. I'm not sure this would be easy to arrange but if you explained the situation in advance they might be willing to help. He's old enough to reason with somewhat so this might work.

If that did not work, I would suggest reassuring him that he does not have to interact with the characters at all. Then, offer to give him a blindfold, etc that he could carry with him to avoid the sight of them. It sounds weird, I know, but one of the best things you can do when a child is scared is give them a measure of control in the situation. Good luck!

 

[lpbm4]

My 3 1/2yr dd is the same way. I have told her numerous times that it's not real, a real person is just inside the costume. She understands that but it still scares her to no end. I just plan on steering clear and following her cues if need be...although still hoping for a few shots with the characters.

 

[NotUrsula]

I have told her numerous times that it's not real, a real person is just inside the costume. She understands that but it still scares her to no end.

Like I mentioned before, telling them that there is a person inside is not always enough, because little kids very often think that the person got inside by being EATEN by the animal suit. (Many little kids tend to have a deep-seated fear of being eaten, for some reason.)

If you can get hold of a costume (rent one, etc.) that you can let the child play with at home, limp and empty, they usually finally get what a suit really is.

 

[NotUrsula]

Oops, duplicate post.

 

[kldmom2000]

I wrote this exact post 2 yrs ago.... my older DD was then 4.5 and we were on our first "family" trip to Disney. Prior to the trip I knew she was afraid of costumed characters-she would freak out like you wouldn't believe if I even mentioned having to go to the mall @ Easter or Christmas! She would get hysterical-like nothing I could describe. It was a genuine horrific fear (she also had the same reaction around dogs)....

We went to Disney anyway and Day 1 found us outside the MK turnstiles and she was bawling her eyes out crying that she wanted to go back to the hotel..... no way was that happening....

We spent the entire trip avoiding any and all characters for her but then DH or myself would take our then 2 yr old DD to the character meets and even a character meal while the other would keep the fearful 4 yr old away....

It was an "ok" trip. I'd done all the suggestions prior such as renting DVD's of the Sing a longs and stuff.... it wasn't just Disney characters though-it was ALL characters/Santa....

We just got back from our 2nd FAMILY Disney trip (our girls are now 6 and 4) and what a difference! She got over her fear and has become a character "groupie"... She couldn't get enough of them-wanted to spend the entire trip tracking them down and meeting them! She still fears dogs, doctors, and Santa though....

I wish I had some advice, but alas I don't. Just try to make the best of it and don't force your child into seeing them if he doesn't want to... it will only make the fear that much worse! It will subside eventually... it is possible to do a Disney trip w/o the characters.... go and enjoy as best you can and make it as memorable/magical as possible!

 

[HSMndLKfan92]

Does he know that they are just people in a suit?? Might be the time to kill the magic in order to save the trip.

P-p-eople? In suits?!


The Disney characters are real.

I seriously need to grow up