Monday, June 16, 2008

In Which I Traumatize My Child

We took Becca to a little local zoo on Sunday...the same place we went last summer. And she was completely terrified. As soon as I opened the car door and she heard a peacock screech, her hands went over her eyes and we could hardly convince her to get out of the car. After pointing out another toddler going to the zoo, she walked up to the zoo entrance bravely, only crying at the sound of the zookeeper sweeping the sidewalk (What. The. Hell?) I pointed out a cat sitting on a chair in front of the crane exhibit and that was it. The sight of that crane just freaked her totally out. She covered her eyes and cried. The sound of chickens made her cry. The sound of a donkey made her cry. She buried her face in my shoulder with her hands over her eyes and did not open her eyes once.
We were telling her about children feeding the baby goats, and about the cute little kitty cats running around. She just cried and cried. It was really pitiful. Nothing we said could convince her to peek at anything.
So, we left after 10 minutes. As soon as we left the zoo gate, found some swings and said that there were no more animals, she opened her eyes and was as cheerful as ever. My shirt was soaked with her sweat and tears. We went to a huge bayside playground and had a picnic. She acted like nothing had even happened. What the hell?I wonder how long it will be until we can ever take her to another zoo. Is there a word for the phobia of animals? Today she woke up really upset from her nap saying she was scared of Snow White's deer. Except, she kind of has it confused and says, "Snow White's deer was scared of me," or "That peacock is scared of me." Poor thing, if only she understood that what she is saying is true.

14 comments:

Joel and Angela said...

Then definitely Don't take her to the drive through zoo here. We had very aggresive ostrich and zebra sticking their heads through the window. Luke didn't care for that either.

Tracy said...

She is going to be your child that you are going to figure her out and think you are on easy street and just like that, she is going to change on you and you are going to have to refigure her out (just talk to my mom, poor lady raised me and that is how I was.

Swistle said...

That is the cutest thing EVER.

Also, all those shots of you and not a SINGLE one shows your tummy.

justme said...

oh my gosh !!! poor thing !!!

Anonymous said...

Fear of animals: Zoophobia!!! Believe it or not!

Grammy Bonnie, the biology lady

Angie said...

Poor thing. She just didn't know enough to be scared last year. She'll probably be fine the next time you take her.

The Quinn Report said...

Salem pulled the SAME type of thing last week at Shlitterbahn. The week before, she LOVED it! This week, TERRIFIED of everything there. She just wanted to sit in the water and do NOTHING. I wonder what it is? How soon will you try it out again?

MaryB said...

too funny! sometimes kids make no sense at all.

Andrea and Ben said...

That post is funny and sad at the same time. Mostly funny, but a touch sad. I am sure next time you go she will be feeding the animals like last time. Kids are so wierd.

Jen said...

Hmm. What if you go to the zoo with some of her best friends? To Kate, I think that is what the zoo is all about - running around with friends and getting yelled at by mom. Or maybe cotton candy would do the trick? =)

Unknown said...

She's so cute! What a great memory. You will certainly never forget that day at the zoo!

Several months ago, Angie posted a ultrasound (I think it was Angie) picture and Liv was looking at the post as I was reading. She proclaimed the picture a monster and ran off, scared. Matt and I just cracked up as we tried to explain.

Anonymous said...

Well, if it makes you feel any better, my son is five and is a complete wuss. Is there a term for the phobia of everything?

Smitty 1, 2 , 3 and 4 said...

I'm still laughing at your title... LOVE IT!!

april said...

that is so hilarious!a petting zoo would send her right over the edge!