Facing Fear
August 2ed 2001
Oh, what kind of
mother am I? You know that book we read to our children, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? Well I feel like a book
about me will be on the bookshelves soon called, If You Give a Mom an Idea.
Today I had an idea. My bee fearing daughter Rachael refused to go outside again, I couldn’t believe it, it’s been two weeks, and she will not go outside unless running from the van into a building.
Now, try to imagine my life with this child who would not go outside. We are walking from the van to go to the grocery store, and my daughter is trying to run inside. If I see a friend in the parking lot all I can do was give a little wave and an apologetic smile as my daughter is making a dash for Meijer’s safe doors.
Today the whole family was outside, except for my bee fearing daughter. I was frustrated with this fear of hers. It was so unrealistic yet she let it run her little life. So I tried telling her that there was nothing to be afraid of. “I go outside all the time, but bees don’t sting me!” I said. “All the bees are after me though.” She said with fear in her big brown eyes. Well, this talking it out thing just wasn’t working out the way I’d planned, so instead of telling her, I decided to show her with my convincing methods.
That’s right good ole mom picked up fearful child and took to outside to face some fear. And fear she did face, and then she screamed at fears face. I still had a hold on her and went back to the talking things out saying, “see honey! There are no bees coming after you! You are safe out here, don’t you like the fresh air!” “AHHHHHHHH,” was her wailing response to all my motherly counseling therapy as she looked around for any signs of bees.
She then managed to get out of my arms and run back into the house. I watched her run wondering three things. One, did I traumatize this child further, second, is this my child, and third, are the neighbors calling child protective services right now?
I'm not sure what to do next, but let this run its course, fearing that what I am doing as a parent isn't enough to help my traumatized child.
Today I had an idea. My bee fearing daughter Rachael refused to go outside again, I couldn’t believe it, it’s been two weeks, and she will not go outside unless running from the van into a building.
Now, try to imagine my life with this child who would not go outside. We are walking from the van to go to the grocery store, and my daughter is trying to run inside. If I see a friend in the parking lot all I can do was give a little wave and an apologetic smile as my daughter is making a dash for Meijer’s safe doors.
Today the whole family was outside, except for my bee fearing daughter. I was frustrated with this fear of hers. It was so unrealistic yet she let it run her little life. So I tried telling her that there was nothing to be afraid of. “I go outside all the time, but bees don’t sting me!” I said. “All the bees are after me though.” She said with fear in her big brown eyes. Well, this talking it out thing just wasn’t working out the way I’d planned, so instead of telling her, I decided to show her with my convincing methods.
That’s right good ole mom picked up fearful child and took to outside to face some fear. And fear she did face, and then she screamed at fears face. I still had a hold on her and went back to the talking things out saying, “see honey! There are no bees coming after you! You are safe out here, don’t you like the fresh air!” “AHHHHHHHH,” was her wailing response to all my motherly counseling therapy as she looked around for any signs of bees.
She then managed to get out of my arms and run back into the house. I watched her run wondering three things. One, did I traumatize this child further, second, is this my child, and third, are the neighbors calling child protective services right now?
I'm not sure what to do next, but let this run its course, fearing that what I am doing as a parent isn't enough to help my traumatized child.
