Childhood Worries
I was always a worry filled child. As I grew up I learned it’s called generalized anxiety. So here’s a list of some of the things I worried about, or believed to be true. This is in no order.
I had a strong belief that if you were to use the bathroom at night you were not allowed to flush the toilet or the murder would get you.
In public bathrooms you are not allowed to exit the toilet stale until the person that is washing their hands leaves.
The garage door this one was a big mental struggle.
I had two things with the garage opener. The first one was that I believe that if someone else had the same brand of garage as us that they could open our garage door/we could open theirs. I also had a terrible fear that the button could work from any distance. I touched it once when we were at the mall and was really worried someone was going to steal my bike because the door had opened.
I had watched Who Framed Rodger Rabbit with my dad as a kid. The villain scared me so badly that I swore when I looked out the window to our deck that I would see him looking into our house.
I watched House of Wax with my friend as a child we didn’t finish the movie. But it scared me so badly that til this day it makes my stomach hurt a little bit. And I was so scared of having someone take my fingers.
I found out at the eye doctor that I had a mole behind my right eye. So every time I would go to the doctor’s office I was scared they were going to want to take my eye… I needed glasses in 2nd grade and didn’t start actually wearing them til 5th.
Those are the main ones I can think of off the top of my head. Did you have any childhood worries?
#lemon8challenge #safespace #anxiety#lemon8contest #letschat
Childhood anxiety can manifest in various ways, leading to irrational fears that, while they may seem trivial to adults, hold significant emotional weight for children. Many children worry about dark places, unfamiliar sounds, or particular objects that can instill fear in them. For example, fears surrounding the bathroom—such as flushing toilets in the dark—are not uncommon, as children often connect these everyday activities with potential dangers. The impact of media can also amplify these fears, as noted in personal accounts of children who become frightened by villains in films. Movies like *House of Wax* and *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* can leave lasting impressions that evolve into deep-seated anxieties. Parents and caregivers are crucial in guiding children through these fears, encouraging open discussions about worries, and providing comfort and reassurance. As children grow, understanding their fears can lead to valuable life skills. Learning about generalized anxiety and its effects is essential for both children and parents. Cognitive-behavioral strategies, such as gradually exposing children to their fears in a supportive environment, can help them build resilience. Encouraging children to express their feelings and validating their concerns is another significant step. Furthermore, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises can empower children to manage their anxiety. Creating a 'safe place' at home where children can retreat and feel secure may also help mitigate some of these worries. Acknowledging that childhood fears are a normal part of development can foster a sense of understanding and normalcy. Ultimately, it's essential to cultivate supportive environments where children feel safe discussing their worries, helping them to develop coping strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.
Number one and two is still valid to me lol…but seriously I still stall before leaving out while someone is washing their hands. Not because I’m scared but really don’t like the awkward bathroom chats.