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