| Should your toddler get on the amusement park | | | | plan to ride with a small child for comfort |
| rides that are so inviting? Many parents | | | | and protection. Don't assume that forcing a |
| wonder about the best age to introduce young | | | | child to go alone "will make him a man" or |
| children to the rides at theme or amusement | | | | push him to "grow up" sooner. It may cause |
| parks that often attract children. While it | | | | trauma that will last for weeks in the form |
| may be tempting to buckle your little one for | | | | of nightmares or anxiety. |
| an exhilarating ride, give some thought to | | | | |
| criteria like those outlined below to see if | | | | 4. Start with simple rides first. The |
| your child is truly ready for a mobile ride | | | | merry-go-round or other age-appropriate rides |
| of this type: | | | | can help to ease your child into the |
| | | | amusement park mentality. Seeing kids of the |
| 1. Is your child the right size for his or | | | | same age on certain rides will ease tension |
| her age? Extra-small or short kids may need | | | | and encourage your child to join them for fun |
| to wait until they grow a little more to get | | | | on a ride that should not be particularly |
| on rides designated for their age group. Many | | | | fear inspiring. |
| ride operators will check the height of | | | | |
| children, using a predetermined measuring | | | | 5. Make sure the ride is as safe as possible. |
| stick, but if not, don't let your little one | | | | Look for the operator's license and the last |
| get on a ride that is actually intended for | | | | inspection date for the ride. Watch it go |
| bigger children. Injury could result, | | | | through one or two cycles before buying a |
| otherwise. | | | | ticket for a particular attraction. If it |
| | | | appears to go too fast, or is especially |
| 2. Does your child want to go on the ride? A | | | | jerky, it probably isn't a good idea for a |
| toddler who appears frightened or uncertain | | | | young child to get on. Little ones can |
| should be permitted to wait until he or she | | | | experience brain damage, or headaches at the |
| is older. Forcing a child to go on a ride | | | | least, when their small bodies are hurled |
| before he or she is ready is cruel and may | | | | from one side of a ride to the other, or |
| delay a child's adjustment to amusement park | | | | dangled upside down. Make sure the ride will |
| rides for years to come. It may be a good | | | | not hurt your child's physique or security. |
| idea to take a sibling or neighborhood friend | | | | |
| at the same time so your son or daughter can | | | | Amusement park rides are fun for the whole |
| take along someone known to ease the strain | | | | family. But take special precautions to ease |
| of something new. | | | | your little one onto his or her first ride to |
| | | | make it fun and memorable in a pleasant way. |
| 3. Go with your little one. Parents should | | | | |