Most parents and non-parents alike know that children have fears. Some childhood fears are outgrown, and others linger, and this is, for the most part, easy and normal to deal with for the parent. What happens, though, when one child has a fear of something the other child enjoys or wants to do? For example, one child may fear dogs, and the other only likes a puppy as a birthday present. One child may love go-karts and roller coasters, but the other has a fear of rides. There are many kids amusement rides in Melbourne they can enjoy. Ensuring family fun at the amusement center or entertainment park can be tough with opposite wants and desires. Below are 3 tips to help manage such an outing.
Observe
Sometimes it is best to walk the child with the fear of the rides around the park and gauge the reaction to various rides and activities. It may be that the parent soon realizes certain types of rides invoke fear. Maybe one that spins a lot, or perhaps it is the one that goes into a dark tunnel. Once it's known, avoid those types of rides and look for ones that both (or all) children may participate in and enjoy.
Ride Along
Many kid's rides will also accommodate an adult. Offer to ride with the child and talk to them throughout the process. By having fun as a parent, the enjoyment and thrill of rides are modeled healthy. If the child becomes too upset, the parent will be there to comfort and provide a hug once the ride is over. If there is a sibling, friend, or relative who is along with the outing, this can be a good time for all to ride together and for the child with fears to see other kids laughing and enjoying rides.
Find Alternatives
Sometimes, the parents must accept that one child will ride many rides and simply won't. This doesn't mean that trips to the entertainment park are out of the question. It just means that there will be certain activities not experienced by all. When the rides occur, look for other fun activities such as mini-golf, arcade games, or the moonwalk to occupy the kids. They can sit back and bask in their enjoyment and fun.