What are you afraid of?

Have you ever had a fear that just paralyzed you? Well, my 2 younger kids have some terrible ones. The are terrified of dogs, cats, and small lizards. We have little lizards that live in our house. Before we moved, I would have told you that a lizard is a pest, and they are definitely for the great outdoors! Living in Texas, I have a new outlook on the little creatures.

It all started about 3 weeks ago. Meg saw a lizard in the bedroom. Well, the other girls started screaming and crying like you would never believe. I told them that they eat bugs and that the sweet little creatures would not hurt them. They did not believe me. Since then, Maddie spotted another one in the kitchen. These little guys have caused a great upset in our family.

Their fear of dogs have intensified because of the lizard sighting. We went to Kenzie's soccer practice and guess who shows up. A small dog that had gotten loose. My kids were so terrified they would not get out of the car. Maddie sat in the car almost the entire practice. Kenzie finally got out when I told her she was not going to earn her toy. Okay, I know it is not smart to bribe a kid, but I was at my limit! I mean it was her practice.

I told Maddie that if she didn't quit being so afraid of animals that I was going to buy a dog. Okay, I made an empty threat. I don't dislike dogs. I really don't want the responsibility of caring for something else. Steve said, we should get a guinea pig! I think as long as I don't have to take care of it. I really don't know how to help my kids over come these fears. I hope that I have not shelter them too much. I think it probably is a faze. I just hope it ends soon. I am not sure if all this fear is good for someone's emotional growth!