The Parents’ Guide to Conventions
The only thing better than immersing one’s self in a favourite geeky interest, is sharing that interest with a receptive audience. And who is a more receptive (and captive) audience than your own kids? It is therefore no surprise that people start to think about bringing their children to conventions. I don’t recommend the use of strollers (unless maybe it is this one) at cons as they are just too difficult to manoeuvre. I have, however, been bringing my two daughters with me to conventions for the last few years. Need help deciding for yourself? Read on for five arguments against bringing your kids to the con and five arguments for introducing them to the full fandom experience.
The Not-So-Good
5. The Crowds
The mass of humanity that attends conventions can make it difficult for all of us to peruse the booths, meet our favourite celebrity, or even get down some of the aisles. Now imagine you’re a couple of feet shorter than everyone else and don’t yet have the self-preservation skills that life bestows. My daughter is just about the perfect height to take a backpack in the face. It’s not as if people are being rude or inconsiderate. Most are sincerely apologetic when they bump her. It is simply a fact that they just can’t see her in the crowd. It means Dad has to play the role of defenseman. Keeping an eye out for the poorly timed elbow or the swinging cosplay weapon comes with the job. I recommend starting the young ones out at some of the smaller conventions. My youngest daughter’s first con was the now defunct G-Con in Guelph. Another tactic is to go during non-peak hours. My eldest daughter’s first convention was FanExpo in 2013 but I took advantage of the Thursday opening. True, many of the celebrity guests did not arrive until the weekend but that wasn’t important to her at that age.
4. Convention Prices
Let’s face it, although there are deals to be found at a convention, more often than not you’re paying for the privilege of shopping at a con. When you, the avid collector, finds that one comic that has been missing from your collection or the sold-out action figure for which you’ve reserved a position of honour in your display cabinet, a little extra cost is acceptable. When your young protégé absolutely has to have that rare stuffed toy from Japan so she can tuck it under her head and drool on it while sleeping on the car ride home, it is a hard pill to swallow. But swallow it you will. Because the collector in you can appreciate that desire to own something despite all logic to the contrary. That and you will feel like a hypocrite while buying one for yourself.
3. They Will Slow You Down…When They Aren’t Rushing You
C’mon guys! We’ve only been here for 10 hours!
Maybe you strap a urine collection bag to your leg and go non-stop all day without eating. I’m not recommending it but maybe that’s your thing. Your kids, especially the young ones, will have none of it. They will let you know, in no uncertain terms, that they need bathroom breaks, breaks to rest their legs, and breaks to see the light of day. They will also expect to be fed at something at least approximating normal meal times.
2. Age Inappropriate Sights
This didn’t scare my youngest as much as it just raised a lot questions.
Odds are your kids are going to see something that will make you a little uncomfortable. Maybe it will be a cosplay costume that is just a little too risqué or a nightmare-inducing horror display. Or maybe the body pillows and wrist-rest anime mousepads will raise a question or two. I am certainly not advocating the sanitation of conventions to make them ‘family friendly’. I realize that conventions are mainly geared towards adults. I also believe that conventions are a suitable outing for the kids as long as you are willing to provide a little parental guidance. But parents must decide for themselves what they feel is appropriate for their children.
1. Their Interests Will Not Be Yours…Yet
Nothing at all against Rapunzel or the cosplayer portraying her but normally Tangled is off my radar.
Don’t expect you can take your kids to a convention without cramping your style. They are not going to be willing to stand in line with you for two hours to meet your favourite Cardassian from ST:DS9. On the other hand, they may be adamant that they can’t leave the Lego booth until they have carefully constructed what is best described as a multi-coloured stick…possibly with wheels. Don’t get me wrong. There is lots of fun to be had in taking your kids to a con with you. But, it will largely be fun on their terms. Over time, their interests and your interests will come together. Just don’t expect it to happen right away.
The Not-So-Bad
5. The 501st Legion
Consider this a blatant shout out for the men and women of the 501st Legion and in particular the Canadian Garrison of the 501st. They seem to represent at every convention and have some of the most impressive costumes and booth displays. They are also the most recognizable to young children. (Sorry Dr. Who Society. If it’s any consolation, you are beginning to lure my eldest into your fold.) The 501st is there to have fun. They provide lots of free photo ops for the kids and offer kid-friendly activities like ‘Shoot-A-Trooper’. (Ok. I know that doesn’t sound particularly kid-friendly, but trust me, it is.) On top of everything else, the 501st is raising money for charities while entertaining your children. An all-around class act.
4. Con-Goers and Booth People Love Kids
Despite knowing full well that her dad is the real Batman, this young lady graciously agrees to pose for a photo.
Sure, there are curmudgeons that think children don’t belong at conventions and get in the way. But these are definitely in the minority. Most convention attendees can spare a smile for your kids, especially when said offspring is excited, interested, and a little in awe of all the convention has to offer. The same unconditional acceptance that makes you want to share all your obsessive interests with your kids draws like-minded, geek-minded individuals like moths to a flame. Those manning the booths are more tolerant of little hands. Random strangers will stop to say hi or even engage kids in conversations. Cosplayers love to goof around with your kids because your kids will play along. And if your children are cosplaying themselves, they can expect a lot of attention. Speaking of which…
3. Cosplay
She will gladly build a snowman with you.
Are you a closet cosplayer? Do you secretly wish to squeeze into some tights and strut your stuff but are too self-conscious to do so? Or maybe your convention-going friends mocked your suggestion of attending Comicon as the cast of Yo-Gabba-Gabba? Go talk to your kids. Odds are they will be more than willing to allow you to live vicariously through their cosplaying. Better yet, they will partner with you in a group cosplay. And remember, introducing them to cosplay promotes individuality, self-confidence, and a willingness to let your geek flag fly high. You’re pretty much failing as a parent if you don’t let your kids cosplay.
2. Voice Actors are Your Friends
The girls with some of the cast of 6Teen and Total Drama Island.
I’ve met many celebrities over the years at various conventions and can’t say I’ve ever really had a bad experience. By far the group that have been the most approachable, accommodating, and just plain friendly have been the voice actors. This is particularly obvious when kids are involved. Maybe their role away from the public eye makes voice actors appreciate the recognition a bit more. Maybe having a young fan base has given them experience dealing with children. Maybe they are just more young at heart. Whatever the reason, they take that little extra time to interact with the kids and make them feel special…which in turn makes Dad feel special.
1. Quality Family Time
Yes, that’s us. The gentleman in the hat is Rob Paulsen, voice of Yakko Warner, Pinky (of Pinky & the Brain), and two Ninja Turtles.
It might sound sappy but the truth is they won’t be kids forever and they won’t always want to hang with their parents. Take advantage while you can. My plan is to foster an association between attending conventions and spending time with Dad. Then, when they are adults, inviting Dad along to the conventions will be second nature to them.
Check back in 15 years and I’ll let you know how it worked out.
