Something Uncomfortable: Day 121

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Today we were invited to a friend’s house for a swimming playdate. She was kind enough to let us come a little early so my kids could get home in time for naps. I’m sure it does not come as a surprise to learn that this adventure made me nervous. My kids don’t know how to swim, but I’m trying to get them in the water at least once a week in hopes that they will learn.

The hysterical crying began as soon as we got there. Why? Because my daughter saw the dogs. They are 2 of the sweetest dogs I know, but they are twice her size so I can understand why she’s afraid.

We moved to the trampoline. My daughter is afraid of bounce houses, so I have no clue why she thought that would be a good idea. Since I don’t want my kids to be anxiety filled lunatics like their mother, I encourage them to try most things – even when they don’t make sense. She should have chosen the fetal position, but whatever.

I rescued her from the trampoline only to have her scream because the dogs were looking at her. UGH!

As soon as I got her calmed down, I put my daughter in the pool… where she cried hysterically for about 45 minutes. We had approximately 30 minutes without tears.

At this point it was almost 2:00… which is nap time AND the time at which we had already decided we would leave.

Both kids wanted to give the trampoline one more shot. BAD IDEA! Again with the hysteria. I decided it was time to head home for showers and naps. And the dogs decided to come and check out what all of the fuss was about.

There was another 10 minutes of hysteria at the car. Let’s face it; getting wet kids dry enough to get in the car is hard enough. Adding an inconsolable 3 year-old who says she wants to stay at the place that has made her cry for two hours… is bound to slow things down a bit.

Although I was at the end of my rope when we left, I did not freak out even once throughout the ordeal. But I just had coffee fall out of my mouth into my hair and down my shirt, so I’d say I’m done for the day.

What would you have done? Would you have stayed so the 5 year-old could continue having the time of his life while you were in your own personal hell? Or would you have left sooner?