Baby Book Entry 87: First (Ir)rational Fear

Do you remember of what you were afraid when you were a child?

I don't remember much from my childhood, and those things that frightened me must clearly be tucked away deep inside my mind. The dark was probably the biggest culprit, followed by tornados, spiders and monsters in general. I have let some of these fears go over the years, while I have nurtured others. My fears today include more adult-minded subjects, like death of friends and family, losing a child and even the economy and war.

While raising a child, parents get the tremendous opportunity to experience many aspects of their past once again, but this time from a different perspective. Today, I got to witness Aveline's first fit of terror. Not a pleasant moment, but oddly enough, I was able to find some humor. This fit manifested into a screaming, crying panic, scurrying as quickly as she could over the side of the couch to escape the evil. What on earth could have sent my sweet toddler into a fearful fit?

Larry King on Sesame Street.

I'm not kidding. It actually took me a few moments to discern of what Aveline was afraid. I checked for spiders, bees, monsters...nothing in our living room. I followed her horrified gaze to the tv and saw Mr. King interviewing the letter W. I turned off the set and calmed her down. After twenty minutes or so, I played that portion of the show again. I was in sheer disbelief that a senile, nuptially challenged talking torso could actually frighten my daughter. But he did. I got my proof in mere seconds, as she screamed and buried her head in my chest. She's pretty perceptive for her age.