Help With Handling a Six yr old

[Amommy21]

Go at your child's pace.

Take lots of breaks.

Breaks can be in a quiet corner you find in the park, in a restaurant or even in a quiet gift shop.

Breaks can even be in certain attractions like Tiki Room, Mr. Lincoln, etc.

Disney can be very overwhelming. We took DS for the first time he was 2. Then did a week at WDW when he was 2 1/2. Because we knew the parks would be so full of stimulation we made the room our quiet place. We never turned on the TV. I brought a couple small quiet toys. We kept the lights in the room dim. The room became a place conducive to rest and sleeping. DS always fell asleep easy and that leads me to the last piece of advice.

Sleep. Allow for plenty of sleep. Even if that means you skip a late night show or fireworks or have to sleep in one day. Everyone, kids and parents alike will do so much better if they are well rested.

 

[Renae De Liz]

I agree with the above.

I don't think any ride should be pushed onto a child. I think you just set yourself up for a freak-out that could ruin your whole day at that point.

I also think it's a horrible idea to go in with the "we have to do everything" mentality. You are setting yourself up for failure there as well. It just may not be possible.

Doing commando style touring with a child may also be a horrible idea. I think it's best to go with the child's pace and take their cues and you'll have a much better time.

There is a difference between unacceptably pushing a child to go on a ride when they're truly freaking out (which I've never done), and helping them get past their fears. I do practice confronting his fears head on when possible, and with my "I take issue with everything" son, we had a fantastic time at DL. Pirates, Peter Pan, Storybook Canal, Haunted Mansion, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White (and more!) were all an issue after the first ride, and instead of avoiding them for the rest of the trip (following his cue), we fixed the problem and he loved all of them afterwards. Now he talks about wanting to ride Pirates first (the biggest issue ride) when we go back, and if we hadn't of helped him past his fears, he would still be afraid of the ride. I know my son, if we feed into any of his fears, or cater to them, those fears will dig in and become a permanent fixture in his mind. Best for him to head them off before then.

But everyone's kids are different. Confronting fears in certain situations certainly helps kids like my lil' maniac For others, maybe not. I do feel that while following your child's cue is undoubtedly a sure path to peace and should not be discounted, there is also a way to have peace, a happy child, AND get those memories you personally would like. It just takes knowing your child and knowing when to "push" and when to not and working within those parameters.

Have fun on your trip OP and good luck!

 

[YukonMommy]

Here's my thoughts. As a mom of 4 I can tell you every child is different and you know yours best. But I will say you do not know how she will act until you get there.
I would Show her the maps, check out the ride descriptions, ask her what she would be excited to do and tell her what you are excited to do. The more you talk about it, the more exciting it can become.

As for melt downs, make sure she understands what is expected and the consequences ahead of time. For example my kids knew if they whined or pitched a fit they would sit out that ride (I have gotten out of line 3 families before we were to get on splash after a 45 minute wait due to 2 of mine squabbling over who sat where)...the joys of parenting
My kids also know the things we will buy (looking is always allowed, but buying every single thing they "love" is not).
Keeping a child fed and hydrated is important, as is being prepared to wait. Wait in lines for rides, wait sitting on the curb for parades, wait in line to pee, etc.....

Most importantly just go with the flow! It is hard to capture the magic of the moment if you are worried about what's next or where to go next. Relax, take in the moments, get in the pics, laugh and make memories!

Have a most magical time!