UnderneathAMagicMoon
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2022
I am writing partially to hear advice / stories from those who have been there, and partially in the hopes that I'm not alone in this!
When I read forums about toddlers visiting Disney, I see so many stories of kids who soaked in the wonder, or adored the holiday offerings, or let everyone see joy through a child's eyes.
Don't get me wrong - I am happy for families who have this experience. But right now it's a good day if my two and a half year old can make it through Target without a meltdown. Or two. He doesn't understand the idea of letting adults set the agenda, he is extremely strong-willed and wants to run after whatever catches his eye in the moment. Restaurants are out of the question because he spends the entire time screaming to get out of his booster. Rides? Even the tiny little quarter slot rides at the mall terrify him. And routine-wise, heaven forbid something as big as the color of fork he eats with at dinner change. (Let me be clear - I adore my little wild child. I'm not saying this to kvetch, but just as a realistic assessment of his current travel abilities. My family keeps pressuring me to go on a multi-generational Disney trip and I keep saying he's nowhere near ready.)
Any other parents have or have experience with a high strung toddler? Did they mellow out as they hit preschool or kindergarten? Or did you wait until they were a solid 9 or 10 years old before attempting travel?
When I read forums about toddlers visiting Disney, I see so many stories of kids who soaked in the wonder, or adored the holiday offerings, or let everyone see joy through a child's eyes.
Don't get me wrong - I am happy for families who have this experience. But right now it's a good day if my two and a half year old can make it through Target without a meltdown. Or two. He doesn't understand the idea of letting adults set the agenda, he is extremely strong-willed and wants to run after whatever catches his eye in the moment. Restaurants are out of the question because he spends the entire time screaming to get out of his booster. Rides? Even the tiny little quarter slot rides at the mall terrify him. And routine-wise, heaven forbid something as big as the color of fork he eats with at dinner change. (Let me be clear - I adore my little wild child. I'm not saying this to kvetch, but just as a realistic assessment of his current travel abilities. My family keeps pressuring me to go on a multi-generational Disney trip and I keep saying he's nowhere near ready.)
Any other parents have or have experience with a high strung toddler? Did they mellow out as they hit preschool or kindergarten? Or did you wait until they were a solid 9 or 10 years old before attempting travel?