From Wimp to Pimp

We've noticed over the past few months that Drew really wants to go on pint-sized rides, but then generally ends up balling his eyes out and screaming for us to pluck him off quickly. I'm not sure where this fear comes from, but nonetheless we have continued to try and change this. Our friends invited us to Memphis Kiddie Park on Saturday and I knew having Drew's girlfriend there would help him get over this fear.

Somehow, I knew this is exactly how the first ride would go. See the tears, death grip and sad face?

So we decided to take the plunge and put him on the roller-coaster, accompanied by daddy. I was terrified this would be even more traumatic for him therefore sealing his fate of avoiding amusement parks for the next 25 years. Boy was I 100% wrong. He absolutely loved it and laughed the entire time.

That meant it was time to try a parent-less ride again, so we picked something pretty short and slow. We plopped him in this car with Charlotte and they were off. Holding hands the entire time, you couldn't wipe the grin off his face if you tried.

So it was then on to the rocket ships, trains and carousel. Check out the hands-in-the-air confidence even!

We had to end with a fun car ride to snap a few more pictures of them together. Derek told Drew to put his arm around Charlotte thinking that would last a total of 3 seconds. Nope. He held onto her the entire ride and Charlotte even snuggled in and grabbed his hand. 

Can we say adorable? These two are totally getting married in 24 years from now! 

And as a parent, what did I learn? A lot, actually. Mostly that I shouldn't underestimate how much we can change our children's fears, feelings, emotions and reactions to certain things. By being over-the-top enthusiastic about rides and smiling until our jaws hurt along with not giving up, we completely were able to reverse his fears. It's amazing how influential their little minds are, and I need to remember that in times of stress or when I'm reacting negatively to something!