I wouldn't say I'm "scared" of clowns, I just don't like the whole "masked" appearence...the same way I feel about Halloween. I don't like it when adults dress up and you can't tell who they are...freaks me out.

1/17/08
Hi..Meredith

Fight for the Clowns...

Laughter is very HEALING..

I, know, that is why I listen to
Today & Millionaire, so I can get
a GOOD LAUGH..

I, start my day, with Today!
I, end my day, with Millionaire!

Thanks for making me laugh & enjoy my day & helping others enjoy Clowns..

I look forward to reading Richard's new
book...

Enjoy your days & family.
Best Wishes
Toni

My daughter is afraid of clowns (and cemeteries). However, I applaud the clown doctors for all they good they do. I definetly agree that everyone must get permission before entering ANY patient's room. Keep on supporting the clown doctors and all their volunteers.

If my daughter who is now 22 had been approached by a clown while in the hospital she would have had a terrible melt down. I would assume that she would be pretty ill to be in hospital and that kind of melt down would be terrible. So even a clown walking by her room would have kept her from sleeping or relaxing. So no I wouldn't want a clown coming in, I will make sure my child is entertained in a appropriate way so as not to disturb others. I would expect the same from others.

Hi. On a recent trip to Children's Hospital in Denver for my son's bi-monthly infusion at the cancer and blood disorder center, we watched the clowns entertain families in the lobby. The clowns certainly were entertaining and made us laugh during what can be a very stressful day. I want to thank you for letting us know about your husband's book Strong at the Broken Places. Will your husband ever write a book on that topic for kids/teens who struggle with chronic illness? I would love to read it.

You asked what do we think? I personally think that we need to understand that just because a spokesperson or parent thinks clowns are great, doesn't mean a child does. When one takes on the persona of a "clown", one is always covering up something to portray something else. What do you think?

Lots of kids are scared of clowns because many clowns do invade the child's personal space. Some clowns are more into performing than in how they're perceived.

Maybe it's a cultural thing. Maybe the Brits are too stuffy and we Yanks are more accepting of silliness? Don't be discouraged! Keep up the good work. Love your blog and broadcast.

I think those who like clowns are optimistic extroverts. The average introvert is horrified by them & the fear of their "dark side" is only enhanced by news stories like that about Gacy the serial boy-killer.

I loved clowns as a child, especially J. Emmitt Kelly, but that was back in the 70's and early 80's.

I can remember my aunt taking me to the circus every year and the clowns were the best part. Once my niece was older, I tried to start the tradition with her, but she was always "No Hi" when the clowns got near us that we never made that tradition continue.

I think with the popularization of horror films clowns got a bad rap. I've had a hard time with clowns since Stephen King's "IT" came out. I had to physically remove the book from my home because it freaked me out so much and I never finished reading it. I actually watched the very end of the movie version to make sure "IT" was killed. (Sorry Stephen, I'm a Mainer too and love your books, but this one got to me)

I say...bring back the happy clowns like J. Emmitt Kelly and let's put laughter back into the world.

Kimi from Portland, ME

As a physician assistant in a busy ED I see quite a few children. Not as ill as the ones you are helping(Thank goodness) but they too respond very well to silliness and humor. So, I believe that humor is an important part of the healing process.Please keep doing what you're doing and if you ever need help from an old PA let me know!

Its like most everything, Meridith, there's always few that want to complain. Can't please all the people all the time. This shouldn't even be up for discussion, with the rules that clowns aren't going in a room unless asked.

Meredith, why does wardrobe put you in such long pants---I want to jump in the TV and roll them up a cuff, before you break your neck:-)

There have been numerous studies done (and quoted) with only a handful of test subjects polled; in my opinion this practice isn't effective!

I do feel, however, that any person visited in a hospital should have a choice. I have had hospital stays where I was so sick I really didn't want any visitors, sometimes even my own family!

I say keep the clowns but ask the kids if they want to see the clown first.

On a recent trip to Children's Hospital for my son's bi-monthly infusion at the cancer and blood center, we were thankful for the clown show in the hospital lobby. This silly break was so important in a stressful day. I also want to thank you for including the story about your husband's recent book on chronic illness.

Hi Meredith...I saw you and your husband on Larry King last night and appreciated so much your honesty and caring that came out....you both are lucky to have each other! In response to the clown thing....I am a second grade teacher, and I am always surprised at the number of students who are afraid of clowns. It must stem from a movie that they have seen or heard about. When I grew up, clowns were a source of joy and happiness. My, how things change.

My own children, now grown, have always had an explicable aversion to clowns!
I don't get it! In my own childhood experiences, I loved clowns and clowning around, but, different generation! Also, some movies and books in the past decade or so have given clowns a bad wrap (eg.IT by Stephen King). Maybe that has left a bad taste!

I think research and statistics can be used to 'prove' anything. You would know best from seeing those sweet smiling faces. Your quite a lady.

From birth children look to our facial expressions for comfort. Whether it is to assess if a stranger is dangerous or if a parent is disappointed with thier actions or for loving approval. Clowns who cover their faces are not allowing for children to read their face and decide if they are indeed going to be a comfort. A clown without all the paint can be just as entertaining but while allowing that small bit of warmth to come through with the smile. My daughter who is now 19 was terrified of clowns. She did not run away or scream she just wrapped her arms around my neck and trembled. AS she got older she finally asked...if the clown is so happy why is he hiding behind the mask. Who has not watched Robin Williams in Patch Adams and not laughed at the scene with the rubber nose. What about the clown in Poltergeist...ugh.The most comforting part of a person is the genuine concern radiating from the face. I think that whatever their attire...these people are angels to do what they do for the sick children.

Hi Meredith,
All I can say is bring in the clowns, if I had a sick grandchild in the hospital I would think they would love the distraction.
I remember seeing something about when you went to a hospital dressed as a clown, maybe you showed it when you were on The View?
Love ya
Joan K.
Wisconsin

I'll admit, when I was young, clowns freaked me out a little, but it really depended on the clown. The type of clowns that scared me were the ones at the circus. Mostly, because my older brothers told me horror stories about John Wayne Gacy or criminals that joined the circus because they were on the run and wanted to hide. I don't think pediatric clowns would've scared me near as much, because they aren't someone traveling from city to city hiding behind makeup, but rather normal, stable people that simply want to cheer kids up. Either way, as long as the child in question gives permission for the clown to enter their room, I figure there is no problem... Hopefully, people will keep clowning.

I have worked with a couple of adults who are phobic about clowns. I have also worked with someone who "loves" clowns and collects clown themed knick knacks. Personally, I find both extremes weird. It is just someone in make up, acting goofy. No big deal!
(now, elevators I fear!)

My 16 year old daughter has been scared of clowns her whole life. She doesn't want to see them, talk about them, or be near them. We went to Las Vegas 2 years ago, and she didn't even want to go into Circus Circus in case she saw a clown! I just inherited a 58 year old clown cookie jar from my mom, and she doesn't want me to display it (though I do, just not in a real prominent place). Of course, I think clowns can be very helpful for sick children, but there are those kids who will be scared, so you have to be careful.

Merdith,

My oldest daughter all her life has been frightened of clowns, long before she ever really knew what a clown was, as is her oldest son. Her youngest son, likes to play in costumes, and has a closet full of them, one of his favorite, is the clown, so go figure. :-)

Blessings,
Linda

I was very afraid of clowns as a child, and to my surprise, I am still frightened by them as an adult. I am fine if they keep their distance and don't try to touch me. I agree with you in that it would be a shame to let a study of just 250 persons diminish the work that Clown Care does. God Bless you for your wonderful, caring spirit.

Clown Care is great!

I would hate to see the program end myself, but I myself am afraid of clowns and I am 28 yrs old. I think it needs to be left up to the children if they want to see the clowns or not. I think the only clown I ever liked watching was Bozo the Clown. However Meredith I saw your piece on you being a "Clown Doctor" and it seemed like a very fun and upbeat "Clown program" not the scary ones that everyone might remember from a movie they have seen before. I remember from your piece that it made serveral children smile, something they probably hadn't done in a while so I say if the children are willing to see them then continue the program. You looked like you had a ball that day with the children. Whether the child is sick or not kids need to be kids too.

I have no personal experience w/clowning and haven't seen the research. However, from recollections of childhood, I think the choice issue that you raise is a critical one -- whether it is the formal asking by the staff or clown or the informal attempts by parents to push something "fun." The ability to have choice and control when one is nervous about a stranger, nervous about the hospital surroundings and procedures, or in pain (or all three!) would have a big impact on the success or failure of the program.

I recall being pushed to go see Santa when I was scared (and saw no need to do it). That push exacerbated the situation and is still a fairly strong memory today.

Keep up your clowning and support for clowning -- we need more levity!

I say "Send in the Clowns." Parents should know best if their child is scared of clowns or not and should be allowed to make that decision. Sometimes a smile can be more powerful then the best of medicines.

I have an adult child who only recently told me that she was afraid of clowns. When she was a very young child, I would find all the dolls with big eyes in her room, as well as the clowns, were all turned over or away from her. So she said that she felt like they were watching her when she awoke at night and it was not a good feeling. So, the makeup hiding faces might be the reason so many children are afraid.

It is amazing the things little children are afraid of and they usually are unable to express the reason for their fears.
My grand-daughter, now 5, loves clowns but she is petrified of costumed characters. For example, in December of '06, we took her to Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. She adored Santa and Mrs. Santa, but cried and hid her face at the people dressed as a reindeer, a snowman, a penguin, etc. We went to the Zoo breakfast again in December '07 - I was sure she would have outgrown this fear. Alas, she was again terrified. We informed one of the volunteers and he very kindly steered the characters away from our table, then sat and talked with Helena to keep her mind off of them until it was time to meet Santa. I must say I was impressed with this very kind volunteer - he made the rest of the morning very enjoyable for her.

I was on a cancer ward after I had my hysterectomy. In two days I had at least four visits from a variety of "well-wishers." Two visits that made an impression on me were a num who refused to take no for an answer when she told me to join her in a series of prayers and a woman with a basket of cookies who was incredulous when I politely said, "No thank-you. " She repeated my answer back to me with a sacastic tone. I suddenly felt very sorry for the people who found themselves with an illness and the overwhelming feeling of a loss of control over their own lives-even to the extent that they had to fend off individuals who "visited" for their own overwhelmingly (in my case) self-serving purposes. A unique observation I would think - fortunately I wasn't terminally ill and was discharged shortly.I think the idea of asking permission is very important, however, children by nature may not be able to articulate their fears (in a way that mosts adults have no problem doing).To ask their permission is almost a moot point

My grandfather was a clown and also a magician. I was never scared of them when I was little b/c he always brought joy into life and showed just some neat tricks. He died when I was 6 years old and now I am almost 30. I definitely don't want my kids to be scared of clowns b/c I think they can really be enjoyable. And as long as an adult helps them understand that then let clowns bring cheer to everyone that wants it!

I am a professional clown for 20+ years. I've seen thousands of children and if I can spend 5 -10 minutes with ANY child I can get them to not be afraid. How? Because I am cute not scary and I know how to approach a timid child. TRUE professional clowns who have had extensive training KNOW how to approach a timid child and not scare them. I also perform a program at daycare centers as a costumed character where I put the costume on over my clothes IN FRONT of the children. I explain the body as Jammies, feet as house shoes, hands as mittens and the head as a hat. I get the kids over their fears of costumed characters so they can then go to theme parks and Pizza restaurants without fear! NO ONE should be scare of truly GOOD clowns. There are bad people in any profession. Don't judge the barrel by one bad apple.