Last summer, when my family and I first moved to Texas, I remember my little one coming to me and handing me a dried out cicada body.
Now listen. I like to camp and enjoy being outdoors, and have an awesome garden doing on. That does not mean I a creepy crawly type person. I’m a squeal and run away when a wasp flies by kind of person. A person who doesn’t actually enjoy butterfly gardens because why would I want things flying at me face unexpectedly.
So in that moment, my instinct was to smack that disgusting husk out of her hands and tell her it was super gross. Probably not the best way to build a healthy relationship with harmless bugs. Luckily, my sister in law was there, who is way more into these things than I am. She quickly said, “How cool, a cicada husk! Did you that since these are just the skin we can crush them with our hands? Look!” And the proceeded to do just that… with her bare hands. My little was DELIGHTED.
Next time she brought me one, because after that of course there was a next time, I took a deep breath, and I responded with joy and curiosity (while dying slowly on the inside). Y’all, I crushed that bug skin with my bare hands. Because sometimes, kids teach us how to be brave.
So when kiddos are scared of things like bugs or big kids or loud noises, or maybe just not sure how to react, try the following:
Model how you want them to behave. We want our littles to approach things with an open mind, so do the same thing yourself! We now observe little crawling things, gently take them outside when needed, and approach them with a more inquisitive mind.
Label what you see and know. Sometimes things can actually seem really scary! Talk them through what you know. If something actually is dangerous, teach them how to stay calm but be respectful. My little and I practice how to stop and back away slowly if we see a snake all the time, so that if we find one, we won’t just freak out.
Get those books and toys out. Get books from the library about things that make loud sounds, tell stories about things that happen unexpectedly, pretend your having a party for a beetle. Make it fun!
Remember that sometimes these things take awhile, so be consistent and steady, and don’t give up!
But most importantly, remember to find your own braveness. Those little ones may need to borrow it for a little bit.
Thanks again for reading. Love it and want to show your appreciation? Click the like button, comment below, email me back, share with friends... everything helps!