Not all moms are born with the bravery gene. My daughter's school had a "reptile day" recently, and to someone who has an unbelievably irrational fear of snakes, this was not cool.
So I did what any parent would do, I begged my husband to drop her off and pick her up so I wouldn't run the risk of being in the same place as a snake before, during, or after those vile creatures slithered around the school.
Clearly, in this instance I wasn't able to step up and be Super Mommy for my little girl. Luckily, my husband stepped in as Super Man and my gal had a grand time telling him all about how she touched a snake and even volunteered to hold it. (OMG!!! I can't even believe I just typed that!)
However, in many ways I have learned how to be brave as a result of being a caretaker for my little ones. Here are 7 ways my toddler has helped me overcome my fears and be a stronger mama.
Killing spiders -- Pre-kids, if a spider came my way, I might silently pray it just go on its way without any intervention on my part. Now I can squash that sucker before any short people around me have even noticed a creepy in their midst.
Scary parts in movies -- Initially this was a "fake it 'til you make it" situation. But now I can watch that maniacal kid-catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while covering my daughter's eyes and staring down the black-clad hatter.
Mice -- Mice happen. It's time to get off the chair, set a trap, and learn what to do after the trap goes off, all while shielding your babies from the horror.
Growing old alone -- Unless you're a total jerkwad parent, you'll have a companion in the golden years to help you realize what you've accomplished in life.
Lice -- If someone told me I'd be able to nit pick without vomiting all over my child's head, I would've bet them all I had that they were wrong. Turns out, I can tackle the bugs with the best of them.
Turbulence -- It's not the flying, it's the turbulence that makes me grab the armrest in a death grip. However, screaming on an airplane with your toddler is really not a great idea. Now I hold on to my kids and pretend I'm just giving them intense love squeezes instead of "dear god let me live" squeezes.
Snakes -- Okay, I'm not over this one. But I'm sure you mothers that are only a little squeamish will do just fine when your kiddo brings home a pet garden snake. If you're not, please feel free to call me to commiserate.
How has your toddler helped you be a braver person?
Image via szlea/Flickr
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Comments 7
Bees and spiders. I still don't like either of them. Now I say things like "It's okay, it's just a bug, we'll kill it and we will be fine"...while in my head I'm think "Oh dear God!!!", HAHA.
My son got stung 3 times at once 2 summers ago, twice in the back of the leg and once on the thumb. It was awful...and he's been terrified since. So...I do everything I can to reassure him....plus in one of those...you can only understand if you're a parent moments...I hope that if it's going to sting...it gets me instead.
I had to learn to get over my " I really don't want to meet new people" problem. Hubby and I were just happy going on in our happy little world not having to talk to anyone...it was great. Now with both kids in school, i joined PTO and have been volunteering alot in the schools and the community. All because of our kids. Not all people suck....just most. I loved this article, its was very insightful and it made me laugh Thank you for sharing.
i also have severe anxiety as well as depression, and my kids are my reason for doing most of what ido
bees, hate them but don't let my kids know.
Gosh, I don't even know but I am sure there is something...there has to be. I am not bothered by bugs and such but I cannot kill anything...I "catch and release".