Momservation: If we all parented like Disney runs their theme parks, we wouldn’t need to go to the happiest place on earth – we’d already be there.
    

 
Photo by Logan Wheeler, 10, grumpy son done being in pictures

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Just got back from an impromptu trip to Disney World, and can I please tell you, I’m ready for Disney to take over the world. Nobody, I mean nobody, does customer service and clean, friendly fun like Disney. These are the people we need in charge.

I truly believe if Disney ruled the world we’d all be singing Zippity Do Da out our you-know-whats. Who cares if we were just sent over a proverbial 50 foot waterfall and now have to walk around for hours in wet underwear? Life is good! Just grab a turkey leg and head over to the next attraction!

Instead of casting a wary eye on strangers, we would warmly greet them with, “Have a magical day!” Peace would envelop the world like a big, warm hug from Mickey and be commemorated with a souvenir photo. All our frowns would be turned upside down simply by someone handing us a churro. And all our problems would be solved by someone in a crisp, sharp Disney uniform saying, “How can I make your Disney experience more pleasant?” or “Let me take care of that for you.”

I’ve now been to both Disneyland and Disney World and am absolutely amazed at what a smooth and fantastically positive operation it is. I think there is something to be learned here. In fact, The Walt Disney Company thinks so too and actually has a Disney Institute where businesses can send their employees to become experts in the field of flawless customer service.

I’ve taken it upon myself to take a page from the Disney playbook and apply it to parenting. Below follows a list of ten ways to become a better parent by applying Disney philosophies. Because really, isn’t the bottom line to successful parenting crowd control and an enthusiastic, motivated work force? No…well, it should be.

Tips for Better Parenting Disney Style
By Kelli M. Wheeler
 

1. Customer service rules in the Magic Kingdom. The attitude in which you handle your kids’ problems, worries, fears, desires, questions, curiosity, etc. sets the tone for “customer” loyalty, trust and respect. According to Jim Cunningham of Disney University Professional Development Programs, “The front-line is the bottom line. It's the type of service received that usually determines the decisions customers make.
2. Attention to detail. Be tuned into your children’s daily lives and needs then be prepared to provide a positive, supportive, family friendly atmosphere. Explains Cunningham, "Everyone has certain needs…and certain emotions involved that determine what they do.”
3. Exceed Expectations. Your children look to you as an authority, a leader, a role model, and a moral compass as well as for security, reliability, stability. Make them want to follow in your footsteps and make it easy for them to have a clear example for right and wrong. Make home a good place they want to be.
4. Keep it clean, friendly, and fun. Whether talking about the top three expectations for Disney theme parks or your child’s outside interests parents and Disney are on the same page. To help achieve this goal, encourage your kids to get involved in extracurricular activities that explore their passion while building character, skills, and confidence.
5. Don’t forget about safety, courtesy, show and efficiency. Focusing on the four priorities for “guest” entertainment with Disney detail toward happiness will help your kids transition into safe, likable, self-respecting, and responsible adults.
6. Have a well-trained, enthusiastic and motivated work force. Get those kids excited about doing something productive! Disney believes an important key to keeping employees motivated is having great leaders who create an environment where people want to do their best. So go set a good example, let kids learn by doing, and keep a positive attitude Mom and Dad.
7. Be aggressively friendly. Say it with a smile. Even if you’re telling your kid they aren’t going to see the outside of their room for a week, telling them with a perky smile like they just won the lottery can take the sting out of it.
8. Build loyalty. According to Disney, the easiest way to build customer loyalty is by keeping the promise. Whether that means sticking to your word or sticking to your guns, kids need to know they can trust you and your expectations finding comfort in consistency.
9. Have Plan B waiting in the wings. When a flower, shrub or tree dies in a Disney park, there is one exactly like it already being grown to replace it. Always be ready to swap out what isn’t working.
10. Thrill and delight. Don’t forget to have fun. The easiest way to make your kids happy is to play and interact with them. Why do you think the Disney parks are so much fun? A family that plays together stays together.

Have a magical day!