From: "Thad James" <sammyj@networksplus.net>
To: <whaley_f@popmail.firn.edu>, "balloon list" <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: Kid question
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 07:34:39 -0600

> Tonight I had a kid afraid of the balloon (not me)
> I also had a kid afraid of my pump.  His grandmother is a clown but he
> wants nothing to do with balloons or the pump.

I've had kids afraid of the "long balloon", others afraid of the sound of
the balloon blowing up and some kids too shy to speak to me. My best defense
is humor and not to embarrass the child. I have to respect their feelings.
If they're afraid, I try to deflect their attention:

Afraid of the balloon? I'll just talk to them and ask them questions so they
don't focus on the twisting. Or let them touch the balloon or give them an
uniflated balloon to show that there's no danger.
Afraid of me? I'll talk to the parent to let them know that I'm not scary
and maybe "tone down" my voice to ease the child.

Usually, a smile and a good bit of patter will get me through any
uncomfortable situation.

Thad "SAMMY J"
sammyj@networksplus.net
"Winter in Kansas -
  Like twisting icicles"