[tim]

Allow me to approach the matter from a couple of different angles.

Firstly, I REALLY love your costume. It's great. Though it is a little big and bold (the tie, especially), which could scream scary to some.

I know that when I am in "full clown" with the auguste face that you see in my photo, some smaller children are initially afraid as they see something which is unusual. I can often win them over by softening up, backing off, getting down on their level. Maybe inviting them to play with a feather or complimenting them on something they are wearing. If the parent doesn't push but isn't afraid, then the child might feel more involved.

Your face needs work. Lose the rainbow wig. Either just use your natural hair or find something more fitting. Also, find a better nose than the big sponge ball. You can paint something on (even with just lipstick, initially, if you don't have greasepaint) or get an inexpensive (under 20 dollars) professional nose from any number of suppliers. Refining your face should help to make your look streamlined and more readily acceptable/inviting to an audience.