kids in different groups..

[t-bone]

HI everyone..
We are booked on am the Magic in Jan. and we are so thrilled.. Have never cruised Disney before. Here is my question... We are going with our entire family. My 2 boys and my 2 nephews are all within 8-10 months of each other. My daughter will be 5 at time of sailing. I am a bit concerned about the kids club for her. I am not worried about the care but the fact that all four opf "her boys"will be in the older group and she will not know anyone in her group. I know you are all going to say ,"don't worry, she will meet kids and have a great time. She in NOT the most outgoing girl around and VERTY attached to me. Does anyone have any help...I know that it is a long way away but she is already talking about how she only wants to be with the boys... Thanks-tracey

 

[mommasita]

Well. the groups are 5-7 and then 8-9 right??? SHe sounds too young to even have the remote possibility of moving up!!!!!!! Could the boys possibly go down???" We did this once..Just could be quite boring for them...The kids clubs are open to a lot, and very very helpful with trying to work this out for you....

Or quite possibly go the cruise meet for your date, and try and find other ones her ages...

 

[CM_Mom]

How about leave them in the Club groups for their correct ages but plan some family activities for everyone together. Since you will all probably be doing excursions together and sitting together at meals she will be with her brothers and cousins quite a bit. You might want to explain to her a little closer to the cruise date that she won't be in the same group as the "her boys" for everything but that you will do lots of things with them.

You can also check the Navigators for activities that both groups are doing together.

 

[Rence]

I've read a couple of discussions over the years regarding integrating a shy one into the clubs. If what you are asking is how can I give my DS a good experience with the clubs?, then some of these suggestions might help.

Get her to go on the first night. That is when everyone is new, that's when all the kids are meeting each other for the first time. If her first trip to the club is later, the kids may have already bonded with each other and she would be more of an outsider.

During the sail away party, get her down on the dance floor. The kids counselors will be there moving through the crowd. It will give her a first peek at the counselors and may help her warm up to them.

For many activities you can stay in the club with your daughter. Go to the club and stay with her if she is shy. Sometimes with mom sitting off to the side, it gives a shy child courage. If things seem to be going well, tell DD that you have to leave for 15 minutes but that you'll come right back. Leave and come back in 15 minutes. She knows you're there, you're coming back etc.

These steps can help a shy child give the clubs a chance. Of course you never want to force a child. If after this she's not interested, that's fine. That's lots of things to do besides the clubs.