2 year olds don't understand why they can have some things and not other things. Tantrums in very young children are usually because they don't get what they want and are upset since they don't understand why, not because the parent spoils them and gives them what they want.

They might not start that way, but giving into the first understandable tantrums is a surefire way to make them continue acting bratty. So I'm not really sure what your point is.

I think their point is that all kids throw tantrums so that part isn't the parents' fault. They should have to deal with it, though, and not the OP. But I wouldn't blame OP for trying to help them out.

17, the first part of your statement is true in some cases, though sometimes two year olds throw temper tantrums because there's a lot of stuff going on in their bodies and brains they don't understand. However, as someone else pointed out, giving in to the tantrum will just reinforce that behavior and teach the kid that crying is how to get what they want. You're better off letting the kid wear themselves out with crying. It's uncomfortable and unpleasant, but probably better in the long run.

I never said to give in and give them what they want just that a tantrum doesn't automatically mean a child is a brat. Young children can't handle large emotions they do not have the control. You should neither give in to them nor ignore them but help them manage their feelings.

Mascots aren't allowed to talk, which makes for a lot of awkward hand gestures

I think 20 meant "no" from the parents.

She'll cry "zombie!"

Exactly what I was thinking. Seems much easier, and a nice big dose of reality for the child. "I'm sorry dear, 6 foot tall dancing dogs don't really exist and ps neither does Santa. Thanks for stopping by, have a nice day!"

There are a lot of places where breaking character like that would be a firing offense, though