Me and my big mouth. Now he's scared of
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| Sat, 09-01-2007 - 7:33pm |
Today it was in the 90's here instead of the 100's, and Mark kept asking if we could go to the zoo. So the 4 of us went to the zoo. It was a special treat because Glen went with us.
I obviously wasn't thinking because it never occurred to me that this is Labor Day Weekend AND a Saturday AND the weather was nicer than usual. It was CROWDED, there was a lot of stuff around--tables and tables of items for the gift shop's sidewalk sale, a live band set up, etc.
All is fine when we get to the zoo. Henry and Mark threw pennies into the little fountain pond, and then we walked through Cat Country and saw lots of big cats. Henry kept pointing stuff out for Mark.
We start walking around the corner, and there is a dove on the ground. In an effort to get a cute picture, I started trying to get Mark interested in the bird. Henry asked why the bird wasn't in a cage. I told him that it was a wild bird. From that moment on, Henry was anxious and freaked out. He hedged about going into the Tropical Bird House which was his previous favorite exhibit. He kept asking if the birds would be in cages or behind glass. Most of them are, but there are two really cool areas that you can walk through and the birds fly around and overhead. He practically ran through there and refused to go near either of those areas. Then he kept telling us he wanted to go home.
I couldn't figure out what the problem was. Then he said something like, "There are WILD animals here! I want to leave. What if they get near me?!"
Ugh.
So I tried my best to explain to him what the words "wild" and "tame" meant, but it wasn't computing. With much coaxing and forcing, we went about one step into the Farm section, and we looked in the aquarium.
But then we HAD TO LEAVE. There was no pacifying him. He was finished with the zoo.
1. That makes me really sad when he gets like that because I'm afraid he'll grow up to be one of those people who is afraid to leave his house.
2. He is his father.
3. We've always loved going to the zoo, so I hope he gets over it.


that really rots Robin. I have stuck my foot in it sooooo many times like that. After thinking WHAT WAS I SAYING! But really, how could you know that the word "wild" was going to cause that reaction.
Social stories, reassurances, etc will work. he will go again. Sometimes it is a matter of finding out exactly what his definition of wild is, and then explain yours in a very kid friendly, anxiety lessening manner. "The animals in teh zoo are the same kind that live in the wild but they are not in the wild. They are in teh zoo and they are all in cages where they are safe. The only ones not in cages are tame and friendly" etc.
Good luck.
Renee
Ya Robin, I have stepped in it too. Try not to blame yourself as sometimes understanding our kids is like learning a different language, and it takes time to learn a different language. We just don't wake up and just know.
I do things all the time and then go dangit!
Robin,
I have done things like that. It kida make you wish there was a "replay" button
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