On a Carousel
Yesterday, we had a much more pleasant toddler. We took her to the fair. It was fun! She had fun! She had her first ever carousel ride. I put her on the horse – “the white one mama!” and she had fun sitting on it, but then something spooked her, and she wanted down. It didn’t matter that I told her that I would be holding her the entire time. The horse was high. This was her first time, she was a bit scared. Down, mama. Now, mama.
I was a bit sad that she was scared. I want her to become a brave, strong woman. One who’s not scared of a carousel ride. Or of very little else. How do you teach bravery?
Hiding my disappointment - hopefully enough! – I quickly suggested the nearby bench. That was ok, Sort of. It wasn’t as high. She was definitely not sure if she wanted to ride at all, even though her friend was giggling and bouncing up and down with excitement. He’s done this before. She hasn’t.
She had a momentary look of panic in her eyes as the ride started up. The first few times around, she was very uneasy, unsure if she wanted to be there. Each time around, I would point out dada, who was on the side with Ashlin, and prompt her to wave. Eventually, she started looking for him, waving, all on her own. Before she knew it, she was enjoying it, and having fun!
Baby you can drive my car!
After her eventual success on the carousel, she was a bit braver. She wanted to go on everything! Even the rides that were way too big and fast for her. Her friend, G, wanted to go on this car ride, so she wanted to go too. He may have been the source of some of her bravery. That’s ok. Maybe that’s how you learn how to be brave, you watch your friends.
We let them into the ride. She wanted the “red one, dada.” Help get her in, hooked the belt. Told her to stay sitting until we came back for her. And off she went. All by herself. My big girl. I was so proud of her for being so big and brave, and then sad she was growing up. So fast. She cried when the ride was over, she was having so much fun.
Driving Miss T
She ended up going into the bouncy castle and then on a Caterpillar - Look! Buggy! – ride. She did not enjoy the caterpillar one as much as the cars. It was a bit more jerky and a bit faster too.
She wanted to do the car ride again, before her friend had to leave. Since she had so much fun the first time, how could we say no? Some kid had taken the red car, so they shared a blue jeep. G drive. She loved it. She waved.
We have to try a carousel again. Soon. Maybe this time, she’ll be brave. All on her own.
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