Occasionaly when we go to DL, these two friends of the family come along. They have an adorable little 5-year-old daughter named Sari. She's the most well-behaved kid I've ever seen in my life, and as a result, sometimes I'll take her to DL with me even when the parents aren't going. When they come with us, I usually take Sari for the entire day unless they ask for her. Been doing this since I was 16. More often than not, I have one of my friends my age with me.

She's the easiest kid to take around Disney. She discusses what she wants to do with us, eats what we eat, gets on whatever we get on, all that. She cries maybe once a day to tell us she's tired and never gets into any trouble or complaining beyond that. If I think we won't get to a parade or fastpass in time, I explain this to her, and she answers with a cheery "okay!". Most of the time she's just happy to be in Disneyland. Usually she can go from 8 AM to Midnight.

Sounds like a good setup, but I've been criticized to DEATH about this. And I'm not sure I understand why. Other parents, adults, teachers, all that, hear me talking about this and say they can't believe I make her walk so much during the day, take a full day at Disneyland, and take her from the parents all day...

The last one I just don't even argue; the parents wouldn't take her along at all if it weren't for the fact that I babysit her while we're there. As for the other two, I suppose I wanted some opinions on that... We never EVER push Sari to walk or stay awake. We carry a stroller with us for that very reason. But then I'm told that we should be MAKING her sleep, or MAKING her ride in the stroller a bit.

That's where I need help... If she doesn't show signs of being tired or sleepy, and doesn't ask to be picked up or to take a nap, should we be making her anyway? She usually gets through from 8-12 wide awake and prefers walking over riding in the stroller. When she asks to be picked up maybe once or twice a day, we do. But is it unhealthy to be letting her walk and skip naps throughout the day?

"Making" her exercise? Oh Heck No! Carry her everywhere! ;) LOL

I have two children ages 18 1/2 and 9 1/2yrs old and there is nothing unhealthy about taking a day or two and skipping a nap and getting some walking in. If that were the case no one would ever go to Disneyland. LOL

I am guessing that the people that are criticizing you are just jealous because you don't offer to do that for their kids!

Before(and even after!) I had children, my sister had a son and I took him with me everywhere even when he was a baby and that included trips to Marine World and the SF Zoo. I am now his favorite Auntie and he is 23yrs old. LOL

It really sounds like you are listening to her and her little body...with the comment that she cries cuz she's tired...if you respond to that by saying ok sweetie you know what we know you're not tired but we think your shoes might be so why don't we let them have a break while you ride for a bit ....I have gone to the park with kids for the last 20 years and some kids do fine without a break...only you and her parents know what works for her....and add me to the WTG list for being willing to take her to Disneyland.

Stay in tune with her moods and energy levels and ignore what other people say. They're probably just trying to be sure that you're aware of the potential for her little body to get tired because some teens forget to be sensitive to others. I know that you'd never put your needs ahead of hers!

You still have the countdown showing for your trip -- is it back on?

Every five year old is different. Let her tell you what she needs. We often find that seeing shows in the afternoon is enough of a rest for some kids while others will crash in their strollers as needed. You can always take a few spins around the park on the train for a rest too.

I used to tell people that my first ever trip to Disneyland when I was 18(before I had any of my own kids) showed me prooof positive that children can sleep anywhere and in any position when they are tired enough. LOL

Thanks everyone! :) As long as it's not unhealthy, I don't see why we won't just keep doing it then... Making Sari ride or take a nap would probably make for a MUCH more stressful day! Thinking about it, we DO zip between parks at the speed of light, but we'll ride Haunted Mansion over and over and over, stop for the High School Musical pep ralley, and sit down to eat, which probably makes for a good break in between. Thanks again for all the input!

You still have the countdown showing for your trip -- is it back on?

Mom actually decided to move it to April, right around my birthday :) My sister's baby (Andrew, she finally decided) is due in four weeks, so since he'll be here by the end of March, she decided April would be a safer time to go.