What to say to young children?

[themermaidgirl]

While showing my neighbour's children, whom I love and adore, pictures from my recent Disney trip, one asked me whether or not Mickey (and other masked characters) talked at all.

I said no and have since been repeatedly asked why they don't talk.
I'm particularily stumped at what to say here. I've been asked pretty grown up questions and been able to answer them, but this one is difficult, and I can't seem to put my finger down on the answer.

What could I say?

 

[Tinijocaro]

I would let them know that Minnie and Mickey visit with soooo many people each day that it would tire their voices out too much to talk to each one so they have a "no talking" policy. Keeps them from getting sore throats.

 

[Angelhalo]

My mom told us that they had to star in a lot of shows every day, so they had to save their voices so they could perform for everyone later. Made perfect sense to us

 

[princessbride6205]

I work with some furry characters and we always say they are saving their voices for the shows.

 

[Dee77]

I have also heard that some people tell children that the characters do not speak many different languages but they are visited by children from all around the world so it is not fair to only talk to some children.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I'd say you should ask your Mom and Dad.

 

[mtemm]

I usually will turn it around on them. say, no, but then say I don't know why, why do YOU think they don't? any ideas? often it spurs some really awesome answers/discussions.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Because those are the rules. It is my standard answer.

 

[tiggger1]

I would let them know that Minnie and Mickey visit with soooo many people each day that it would tire their voices out too much to talk to each one so they have a "no talking" policy. Keeps them from getting sore throats.

that it was I tell my kids..of course my daughter answer was "then why do the princesses talk!"

 

[Magpie]

I usually will turn it around on them. say, no, but then say I don't know why, why do YOU think they don't? any ideas? often it spurs some really awesome answers/discussions.

This!

 

[C.Ann]

I would let them know that Minnie and Mickey visit with soooo many people each day that it would tire their voices out too much to talk to each one so they have a "no talking" policy. Keeps them from getting sore throats.

This was always my "standard" answer..

 

[minkydog]

What's wrong with "I don't know?"