I have a huge fear of flying things. Specifically Bees, Wasps, Cicadas and Praying Mantises. I will literally have a panic attack if I am in close proximity to them.
As a child, I remember making my Aunty and Uncle STOP on the side of the motorway to get a Cicada out of the car. And only a few years ago had a major panic attack when a wasp flew in the window while we were driving.
Now as a parent I try and keep these fears to myself, especially when my kids are around. They are children after all, and born with no fears. So I don’t want to instil any of my issues upon them.
The other day I picked up a Bumble Bee that was sitting in the middle of the driveway – I would NEVER have done that before having children.
But again, I just don’t want my kids picking up on my fear.
ANYWAY …
The other day there were flies in the house and they were bothering my kids, so I ran around after them with a fly swat. This is my go to, and honestly I love a bit of tennis practice during the day😂
When this didn’t work, I pulled out the big guns and sprayed one with fly spray.
And what happened? Well what normally happens when you spray a fly – it went crazy. Hyped up, flying around, dive-bombing.
And yes – it dive bombed my son straight in the face.
SCREAMS. TERRIFIED CHILDREN. THE WORLD IS ENDING!
So in my attempt to not traumatise my kids with my own fears, I have traumatised my kids.
They are now PETRIFIED of flies and bees and moths – anything that flies.
FML. I can’t win.
Anyone else have a fear like this? Do you try and not let your kids see it too?
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