There's a Trick to Leaving Without Tears
It's closing time at the amusement park, and you've got a kid refusing to leave. No need to panic. The trick? Prep them ahead of time and give clear choices.
Why Does This Happen?
They've had a blast and switching from fun to leaving isn't anyone's favorite. Plus, exhaustion is often masked by their excitement. My youngest turns into a pumpkin around 8 p.m., and by then, reasoning feels futile.
Actionable Steps
- Countdown Warning: Tell your child 15 minutes in advance that closing time is coming. I usually say, "In 15 minutes, the rides will be closing. We're going to pick one last ride."
- Choices: Right before leaving, give them a sense of control. "Do you want to walk to the car or ride on my shoulders?"
- Be Clear and Consistent: When it's time to go, be firm yet calm. Something like, "It's closing now. Let's head to the car. Do you want to skip or walk backward?"
- Engage in Transition Talk: On the way to the car, talk about something fun. "What was your favorite part today? Mine was when you screamed on the roller coaster!"
Even after doing all this, sometimes you still end up with a meltdown. Scratch that —often you end up with a meltdown. Last month, my five-year-old staged a sidewalk sit-in, which was interesting. So, expect that it won't be perfect every time.
Real-Life Scenario
As we left Wonder Park last Saturday, I used this routine. "You can stomp like a dinosaur or hop like a frog to the exit." To my surprise, he opted to hop, and we left without a fuss. Of course, it doesn't always work like magic, but it worked that day.
Not a Magic Wand, But...
It's not foolproof, and you'll still hit bumps. But giving them a heads-up and offering choices makes a world of difference.