Have you ever thought about the ridiculous things we do to our kids?  We really do some strange things!  We take cranky kids into department stores, expecting them to be able to make it through a four-hour shopping spree.  Then we get frustrated when we have to scoot out of crowds, carrying a child who is  literally falling apart with a temper tantrum.  We dress our kids up at the Disney Parks, wait in long lines for Rides, and force them to do Meet & Greets with Disney Characters. Can you imagine what our kids are thinking?  How confusing, their entire lives have been filled with warnings about strangers…we wonder why they cry.

We do all kinds of “stuff” (with good intentions) that only leads to stress, for both our kids and ourselves.  While I don’t have children of my own, being a kindergarten teacher has forced me to think from the perspective of both a child and an adult.  So, what am I getting at?  How does this relate to Disney World?  Well my friends, I have learned a lot from watching and working with kids!  Today I am going to share 3 practical tips to help you and your little one get things “in line” before you are waiting in a line.

Avoid temper tantrums  meltdowns, and line drama by utilizing these tips!

#1 Have a plan 

Having a plan really helps both the parent and the child.   You don’t have to have every single second mapped out, but it is important that everyone has a general idea of the days adventures.  Talking together about rides you want to check out or avoid is HUGE.  Picking up a park map to discuss the ride selection is a great way to prepare your child.  I know that many kids think that when you are at Disney World it means that you can ride whatever ride you want, when you want, no matter what.  Parents and children run into problems when children want to ride a ride that isn’t in the current park you are visiting   For example, if you child really likes the Magic Carpet’s of Aladdin but you are in Animal Kingdom, it is impossible to just “hop on” and ride.  Take time to talk about what park you are visiting and come up with similar rides.  For example, in the Animal Kingdom and your child is begging for the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, a similar ride is the Triceratop Spin.  Using words like “first” and “then” help in my classroom.  It is important that kids know they will get a turn, but sometimes that turn isn’t going to happen right now.  Making a plan and that includes your child is a great way to avoid a mid-line meltdown.