As the boy continues to get older, one of our parenting
dilemmas is how much independence to give him when traveling to Walt Disney World. What is the right age? How much independence is the right
amount? Along with the general parental
worry about safety, etc.
For us, it has been a gradual journey and I’m sure the
journey will continue as the boy stretches the apron strings farther and
farther. What started out as him being a
few steps ahead of us hand grown into “I’ll go ahead to Germany and
meet you there” with a reply indicating we would meet him at the train garden.
He now rides attractions by himself, selecting to sit by
himself or with others rather than his dear old mom and dad. We are usually riding too, but in another
vehicle or row.
Every parent has to make these types of decisions for
themselves. We know that our boy has
knowledge of the parks due to his frequent visits. He has a label inside his shirt with my cell
phone number and can recognize Cast Members and ask for help if needed. And, while it can be easier sometimes if
there are two or more children to go as a group, that is not our
situation.
The boy has been able to show us or tell us when he is ready
for the next stage or level like giving up the bottle, sleeping in a big bed,
riding a bike, jumping off the high dive, etc.
So if we offer the freedom and he doesn’t take it, I know he doesn’t
feel ready yet and if he asks for the freedom, within reason, I know he
considers himself ready and I need to squelch my anxieties and give him the
parameters and support, such as “we will meet you at the train garden.”
Was he at the train garden after leaving us in the Japan
Pavilion in EPCOT? You bet he was. And, we let him know when we arrived. The husband and I enjoyed the short walk from
the Japan Pavilion to the Germany Pavilion getting a taste, if only for a
moment, what it might be like to travel to the most magical place on earth sans
child.
The next decision is how much freedom the boy will have
while sailing on the Dream. His age
gives him privileges of checking himself in and out of the kids clubs—with us
granting him that status of course.
That, in itself, isn’t the issue, it is being able to know where he is
and how he can find us if he does check himself out of the club. I have a magnetic white message board and
marker in the suitcase just for this and the wave phones may come in handy this
trip!
How much freedom and independence do you give your child or
children when traveling to Walt Disney World?
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