Kids Con New England - Concord, New Hampshire

Elizabeth Gallien

My son was 6 when he starting going to KidsCon with my husband. And I can't remember when my twins and I joined them. They are now 13 yrs and 11 yrs old and still loving it! Emily runs a positive, family fun, entertaining event! From the artists, to those who love to dress up, to the excited magician and live music! To the 30ft mobile gaming trailer and board or card playing an awesome time! I remember my daughter playing a 2 player card game, after a round or two the man asked if I'd like to play. And I was happily surprised to be asked. So Lily and I played. After a short while the man said wow, you play cut throat. I smiled and said yes, we both understand and are good players, Lily likes a challenge, we play for keeps. Another year my twins played together. They were trying to defeat monsters. They had heart points, attacked points and defeat points (lots of math). Lily asked if she could give some of her heart to Travis since she was full. And the gamer master said yes, not everyone thinks to share. This was a everyone wins by defeating the monster or loses together game. Another card game was about perception and strategy. You each had an amount of cards. If you had a Luna card, then you were on team Luna and were to be tricky. Mislead others so no one knew. However you were switching cards by pick a card to the left, card from the right. It was like old maid but more interesting and fun. Travis doesn't pick up on subtly and takes something at face value. So this was a great lesson in listening and watching players. Does their face match what they are saying, or do they seem to be hiding something? Can you remember where the cards you had went? Lily and Travis like the costume contest. They go across the stage, talk about who they are, pose for picture, and everyone claps as their turn is over. Every kids that goes up may be shy after first, but with everyone cheering them on, they smile and get animated ?! Kids are patient here, they wait their turn and ask for permission. And yes you can tell when nap time is, younger siblings are sleeping in strollers while older are learning to draw, shopping the vendors or playing video games together happy as a group. Kevin and Josh have been masots. First Josh as Yoshi and Pikachu and Kevin as handler. Then he got just big enough to be Pikachu. Mascoting has an eqquitte. If a kid is scared or shy offer a fist bump. If that doesn't work then step back and look around over the kids head. Now the kid isn't worried and doesn't feel pressure. No talking useless to handler, let them know what you need. Good handlers are good voices, they welcome fist pumping, a hug, see the hands a clean with a quick eye before. Talk so Mascot knows where kids is, itself hard to see in one. We don't want the kid the go missed because he could see them. A line is important to make. People want to know where to stand for they turn. I am so proud of all my family. This is the best Mother's day!

Sarah Santiago

Eileen Watts

Jennifer N