"Back in Line" with Dr. Mosier: Great Wolf Lodge and the Case of the Cranky Wizard

How One Man’s Wand Fiasco Sparked a Deep Dive into Text Neck and Gratitude

We encountered a very angry wizard the moment we arrived at the Great Wolf Lodge. While we were in line to pick up wands for Isaiah and Isaac to play the MagiQuest game (basically a wizard-themed scavenger hunt), a short, round, balding, middle-aged man—wearing a goofy wizard outfit—was throwing a full-blown temper tantrum.

Waving his wand in one hand and shaking his fist with the other, he shouted about how frustrated he was because his wand wasn’t working and how all he wanted was to fight the dragon.

Once that magical meltdown passed (or did it? We never saw him again—probably got roasted by the dragon), we turned our attention to the poor teenager behind the counter. The kid looked visibly shaken. His hands were sweaty, and his voice wobbled as he helped us. You could tell he was nervous to deal with the next customer.

The things we think, say, and do have a massive impact on those around us. Sadly, our temper-tantrum wizard friend probably ruined that teenager’s day—and the kid was just trying to do his job. It’s amazing how quickly we can either encourage or discourage someone, often without realizing it. That power of influence starts with how we treat ourselves.

Later at the water park, I saw it again—parents yelling at their kids, clearly stressed out. Some were cramming greasy pizza into their mouths with one hand while scrolling their phones with the other—still yelling. I even overheard a mom on the elevator tell her kids, “We are here to have fun whether you like it or not.”

Family vacations are supposed to be enjoyable and full of lifelong memories. Unfortunately, those kids on the receiving end of the relentless yelling may still remember the trip—but not for the right reasons.

So, why do loving parents act so foolishly sometimes? If you’ll let me geek out for a moment, I have a theory.

As a chiropractor and with Ellen being a massage therapist, we couldn’t help but notice an absurd amount of Upper Cross Syndrome  at the water park. The media likes to call it “Text Neck,” which sounds cute and non-threatening—but it’s anything but. “Text Neck” can wreck your neurological system and mess with your hormones.

For example, the suboccipital muscles (right at the base of the skull) become overly tight, often leading to headaches or even migraines. And this forward head posture can also suppress your happy brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin—hello, anxiety and depression. It’s no wonder folks are cranky on vacation.

Ultimately, ruining a perfectly good family vacation.

Now, back to the idea of encouragement.

I, being the old man early bird, was the first person at the breakfast buffet. Naturally, the omelet station wasn’t up and running yet because only weirdos are up that early on vacation. Still, I asked the guy chopping pineapple when it might open. He paused, smiled, and offered to make me one right then. And let me tell you—it was awesome.

Before I left, I found him still slicing fruit and thanked him for the delicious omelet. I told him how much I appreciated him taking the time. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. You could’ve seen that smile from the moon.

It was clear my small gesture of appreciation made his morning—and it reminded me just how powerful a little kindness can be.

You too have that same ability to brighten someone’s day today.

Your friend, Dr. Mosier

P.S. We had a fantastic trip. Isaiah geeked out on the wizard game and made a ton of new friends as he ran around the building. And I’m pretty sure Isaac is part fish—he absolutely loved the water park.