At four he had an urgency to tinkle a few drips while mom checked for lit cigarette butts in each room. Back and forth several times, we heard the toilet flush. Dad waited patiently in the car. Finally after checking doors, making sure every hair was in place, makeup perfected, and no potential fire hazards, we left the house. After driving several blocks mom would announce in a panicked voice her neglect to turn off the iron, or shut off the dryer, or close a window. Dad would return home only to find it was a false alarm. This was a common occurrence, as were little brother’s worrisome tinkles. After consulting doctors the little guy was hospitalized to have the hole in his periwinkle increased so urine would flow more naturally. The needless, invasive procedure never worked and brother voiced his disgust the other night, forty four years later. Always a worrier we’ve concluded he was probably stressed out, as was I with chronic eczema behind knee and arm joints.I'm sure it never occurs to most parents that they could be stressing their children out. No doubt there are things that have caused my child to worry, but I’m happy to report I’ve attempted to eke out a more peaceful lifestyle for my girl. Even though leaving the house is always an event around here, there are no cigarette butts, irons, or open windows to worry about!
4 comments:
You were both so adorable.Parents can get so caught up in their neurosis, sadly leaving the kids in their messy wake, picking up the debris of stress along the way.
I whole-heartedly agree! It's so easy to pass on phobias and anxieties onto children isn't it? I've tried so hard with mine to keep my fears to myself but show me a wasp and I'm outa here! ;o) xx
I. Hear. You.
:)
I'm afraid it's too late here. I've calmed leaving my kids fearful. You're a great mom. XXOO
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