I came across this clip today and laughed out loud! Watch and see what you think. I will add my thoughts on why some folks and children are scared of clowns.
"Coulrophobia" is the official term for a fear of clowns. I bet that the sinister portrayal of clowns in the media can contribute to this condition.
Another theory is that people fear clowns because it is impossible to gauge a clown’s emotions and consequently, his intentions.
A third reason may be that the individual had a bad experience with a clown at some point in in their lives.
In any case these are the assumptions for why some fear clowns.
In my own experience, 20+ years! I have had my fair share of "Coulrophobiacs" both young and old and, not to brag, but...
even if a child is afraid of Pom Pom at the beginning of the party, by the end of the party that same child sometimes has to be pried from my lap.
Here are a couple of suggestions to win over the reluctant or timid child (or adult)
#1 Ignore them. Yes, ignore them. Let a child size you up at their own pace, in their own time, but without a doubt DO NOT approach, cajole, tease or otherwise engage this individual! Let them decide for themself if they want to be a "Part of your World" or not.
#2 Refer to #1-all in all I believe that letting a child (or adult) approach the clown AT THEIR OWN PACE is the best suggestion!
If the child (or adult) does not warm up to your clown character in the time you spend at the event don't push it. Let this individual work out their Coulrophobia with another clown besides you!
Smiles, Pom Pom the Clown
