by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

Picture this scene in your mind:  It’s the season for a major holiday.  Everyone is cheerfully making plans with family and friends, and taking all of the necessary steps for the wonderful family traditions.  Parents of toddler age child think that it would be great to go to the mall and have their child’s picture taken with the holiday mascot.

The family gets the child excited about it, and loads up to have the memorable photo taken.  The child chatters and plays in line, only to cry, scream, and yell when the time actually comes.  That’s right, this previously happy, playful child is now a screaming ball of terror simply because someone is in a mascot suit.

My guess is that lots of you have seen this, and have thrown your hands up in exasperation.  The truth is that this is a completely normal response.  In the minds of these young children, they know that what they’re seeing isn’t right, and can’t figure out why everyone else isn’t scared.  It doesn’t matter if it is their favorite cartoon character or a beloved figure, when confronted, it can be scary.

The advice I would give to parents is not to force your child to take the picture or interact with the character.  In just a couple of years (or even months), your child will be running up to the character.  However, when they’re screaming and crying is the time to “rescue” you child.  Remember that in the end, they are children and sometimes need rescuing.  Let them be children, and take them somewhere else to distract them from the experience.

I realize that as I write this that it may seem like it is about two or three weeks too late.  However, in my experience you can never be too sure.  Just ask my daughter, who 2 ½ years old at the time, was surprised by a mascot character at a restaurant.  While the rest of us enjoyed our meals, she coward under the table and wouldn’t let go of my leg.  Up to that point, I think it was the most stressful meal of her life.

So, as you plan trips to theme parks, go to sporting events, or event an occasional birthday remember they can all have mascots.  Remember the advice, and a little planning can help to make the experience more enjoyable for the entire family.