Idle threats work when formulated properly. Here is my method for keeping the kids well behaved. You can customize this to fit your scenario. I believe HydroGuy also has a similar method outlined in his
"Child Punishment Guidlines."
(Child name), if you are very good on this trip we won't have to call (Fake uncle) and have them shoot (pet name) and make them dead. We don't want that now do we (Child name). I don't want (Fake uncle) to shoot (Pet name) but he doesn't it like it when you misbehave.
I guarantee this method will work. If your child starts to get fussy just grab your cell phone and start dialing. I check my voicemail to make it look like I'm calling. "Hey Uncle Jim. You're going to have to shoot Muffin because Owen is crying." Watch the kid shut up. Uncle Jim is actually made up. I even have a fake photo of him in my office just in case they get suspicious. It's a picture of some guy who likes to hunt. Also if you don't have a pet you can substitute Dora the Explorer or any other cartoon character they adore.
Children do not embarass easily at a young age so you cannot put them on the spot. I also do not support spanking or yelling at your children. You don't want your children to fear you. It's okay if they fear a family member they never see. They will love you because you're looking out for them and their pet (or Dora).
I hope this method is helpful and you're able to enjoy your visit to
Disneyland. This will allow you to go on rides and visit the Blue Bayou tear free.
/Satire
//I would never do this.
///I have to put this here but some people don't have a sense of humor.
I would not say that people don't have a sense of humor some people just have children that doing something like that would make WAY WORSE...like mine!
However, its pretty funny.
****I am a parent of an autistic child, so I am VERY aware of meltdowns on rides.
A few things we do to help our dd
1. bring something special (small stuffy or blankey) this helped us so much on dark rides, she could hold her blanket close to her, it was more of a comfort. That thing went everywhere.
2. Pack little books, coloring paper, small box of crayons. We keep a small part of the back pack for this stuff. It helps for those times when we have to wait in a line, or for food, fireworks etc. Little ones with disabilities or not have super short attention spans be prepared.
3. ear plugs- First aid has them free, just hit one up on your way into the park. They are great to have for those just incase moments. you never know if a child is having a meltdown because something might be too loud but they do not know how to express it.
4. a glow stick or necklace , bracelet. We picked up a bunch at the dollar store before our trip. They are great for the dark rides, they are not SUPER bright or flashing, so they are not going to get on the nerves of other park goers. They are helpful in dark rides, and even just walking around. I mean plus they are super cool!
5. A few of the rides have the seats for kids to sit in and take pictures and what not. That was one way Georgia was even able to attempt Dumbo. We must have sat in that thing about 20 different times before she even tried to go on the actual ride. Also, with Dumbo, if you try it, make sure to let the child know that you don't have to go up right away. THey can control it. That was helpful for us too, since she has a fear of heights.
6. Make a plan. Be sure to rest mid day. Relax. That is alot for little ones to take in, so even if they are super sensitive being hungry and tired can intensify that fear of rides.
7. Snacks, bring some of their favorite snacks. Whether it be fruit, chips, bread, fruit snacks etc bring something from home that is comfort for them. Disneyland is a FUN place, but its also soo new and different. Things from home even if its just food can be great. Specially when standing in a line.
CM's are most of the time very helpful. I am sure it happens ever hour when a child needs to exit the line. so don't even worry about that.
Also, EXPECT it to happen. if you are prepared for a meltdown, you will know how to react. and make sure to let your child know it is OK to feel that way. Depending on how many days you have, let them know you can try again.
We walked out of MANY rides multiple times in hours, days. But we kept trying and I tell you what. It was our last night, when Georgia was ready to go on most of the rides she didn't want to go one before! because we were able to wait her out, and let her go at her own pace. We gave her options to make her feel like it wasn't all or nothing. We didn't give up either to have her think she can just walk all over us. I also knew that as long as I tried that was the best I could do. It wasn't like I was forcing it on her either, just as we walk by, asking. most times it was no, i would respond with "ok, we will try again later" until she was telling us what she wanted to go on.
We did spend a lot of time on IASW! It was her favorite.
Just remember there are PLENTY of things to do even if you just hit one or two rides. you can go hunting for characters, and different foods, and colors, and people, anything you can think of you can make it a game.
We can do *most* rides now, but we are still working on the characters! haha now that is a different story.
ALso, we have the Disneyland park music cd as well. We just got in the mail today two different DVD's on Disneyland. They are great. Even if they are just mood lifters. haha I am sure my dd will ware them out as she played it over and over and over today!
I hope I have been of some help, and remember to have fun!
