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