09/08/2026
Y’all who’ve seen me frequently can attest to this—I’m great with children!
It was one of my own first surprises seeing how many young ones rush to see me. I didn’t expect reception like that but it keeps happening. Some age ranges haven’t realized there are typically frightening features to me and instead see a rather large teddy bear.
While there are those that are timid if not fearful, I have a playbook that I go by to keep the situation controlled and calm. I also keep the encounters loose with the child’s approximate age and expected knowledge of the world in mind, since I know that these encounters are their opportunity to learn which dots connect and which only seem like they would without further discovery and clarification.
Even with discovery and wonder being the goal, some interactions have to be cut short and I know I need to walk away. I know I’m terrifying, but I’m not here to terrify the little ones beyond an only exciting dose.
All this said, some bits from my side:
🦴 A child in a stroller, wagon or being lifted is difficult for me to get a read on. If they are not in control of their own movement, the encounter gets much harder to control
🦴 If I am standing and pick up on some fright from the children, I will slowly walk backward into a kneeling position and lean away. This is typically for the youngest side of little ones but a go-to for many. Let them approach me once I do this, but also let them make the decision with a little encouragement
🦴 If I am in that position and there is a second, deliberate movement away from me or the little ones physically resist your encouragement to approach me, I need to leave. We can always try again later if we’d like.
🦴 I am totally fine with being a “pet” or my outfit explored by touch. Just be aware the young ones will likely get dirty like me
🦴 I will only speak about “death and the dead” that I wear if the child asks about it AND I get permission from the parents/guardians. It’s not my responsibility to introduce the concept of death and the nuances of the respect, acceptance and peace that surround it to the young ones.
🦴 The brave ones get their pick of the treasures 🪓🪓🪓
