Tag Archives: attractions

In part I we discussed good mental health and your child on vacation. In part II we continue that discussion on the mental health benefits.

Disney provides a safe environment filled with fantasy that sparks the imagination. Safety, high on the hierarchy of needs, can be reinforced on scary rides, thrill rides or by learning to greet a character that seems massive and strange. Take this opportunity to insist that your child act in ways that are safe by wearing the seat belts or keeping their legs and arms in the vehicle and all other safety precautions. If your child is frightened of rides or characters take this event to build trust and to encourage them to take a chance while accompanied by you. Take this chance to remind them that you would not put them at risk. Prepare your child for what’s ahead. If the ride is dark, then tell him so and let him hold your hand or sit close. Holding your child close in a doombuggy and keeping the haunts at bay can strengthen trust with your child, a trust that is invaluable when they are teens and you want them to come to you with problems or trouble. Remind your child that Mickey wants them to remain safe, too, and that he will keep all pirates and ghosts out of harm’s way.  Seize this opportunity to allow your child to express her emotions. Take pride that your child trusts you enough to say “I’m scared” rather than be embarrassed because he is fearful of the Haunted Mansion.  The benefits of teaching your child to express fears like “I’m afraid to ride Dinosaur” or “The Haunted Mansion is scary” far outweigh teaching your child to “bottle up” emotions. A child who learns to express emotions freely may be more apt to express fears to a parent.