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Post by lissapunch on Mar 14, 2014 10:25:13 GMT -5
As my son nears his 2nd year of life, I'm thinking about when to take him to his first con. Since the one I normally attend is NYCC, this is a daunting possibility, for obvious reasons. In discussing this with other parents, I had the idea to gather some tips, tricks, experiences and ideas from other parents here in the Talking Comics community. I may be using this information to write a new episode of Nature Vs. Nerdture, so please specify if you would prefer anything you share here to NOT be included in my writing.
Thanks, everyone!
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Post by joestate on Mar 14, 2014 10:43:36 GMT -5
Normally it's a curse, but my stepson goes to his biological dad's house thursday night to saturday night, so this allows me to go on saturday myself and take him on sunday. I love to immerse myself into the con from his perspective and try and just seek out things I know he will love on his day. Bring snacks and beverages of course, and if possible a stroller/carrier
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shapp
Fearless Defender
Hans Brolo!
Posts: 35 
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Post by shapp on Mar 14, 2014 11:43:02 GMT -5
My nephew was 3 when he went to his first convention. He was actually really frightened by the cosplayers (till he spotted Spider-Man). It was interesting trying to enjoy the con while watching him but it was a lot of fun. I picked him up a few $5 transformers toys from a bin and he was golden for the rest of the time. When I wanted to look at a table he would just sit on the ground and play with his toys. It was actually really fulfilling as we took him to his 2nd con last September and he had a blast. Seeing him just smile and laugh over all the fun stuff was more enjoyable to me then the actual con itself.
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Post by wjohnson22 on Mar 19, 2014 23:56:02 GMT -5
I've never been to anything on the level of NYCC, but have taken my daughter to a couple local cons and events here in NC. These may seem obvious, but the main concerns are (1) where to change diapers, especially if changing tables are not in bathrooms, (2) planning around nap time, (3) having food/milk/water available, and (4) managing any meltdowns. My wife and I find a well-equipped diaper bag is key, not too heavy, but with all the essentials (especially a fold up changing mat).
Other than that, I think the key thing is to adjust expectations accordingly when bringing a little one. What are the one or two things you absolutely want to do at the Con? Focus on those so you are sure to have a worthwhile, fun experience and other than that let your kid's mood guide what else you do. I bought my daughter a plush animal early on and she played with that for a while. I don't know if NYCC lets you bring a stroller or not and if they have a place where you could safely store it, but that might help with naps.
It might seem like a lot of effort at first, but I think it can be totally worth it and share a really fun, unique experience.
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Post by lissapunch on Mar 20, 2014 13:31:05 GMT -5
I would probably skip a stroller, way too crowded, but utilize a backpack carrier. That would also keep him from snatching things while we walk around. wjohnson22: What age did you first take your little girl? |
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Post by wjohnson22 on Mar 22, 2014 10:23:28 GMT -5
I would probably skip a stroller, way too crowded, but utilize a backpack carrier. That would also keep him from snatching things while we walk around. wjohnson22: What age did you first take your little girl? It was this past fall, so she was probably 15 months old. She did great overall, although like someone else posted, there were a few costumes that scared her a little. |
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Post by joroak on Mar 22, 2014 16:45:23 GMT -5
I've been thinking about this. My son is coming up on two. And he will be two when NYCC rolls around. For me , I don't think I can take him there until he's about 5 or 6. That pains me greatly to say. There is just zero room to move in most areas. Strollers would be even more chaos. So for me and my family it looks like well have to wait.
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