Confessions of a Sometimes Squeamish Adventurous Mom

I have a confession to make. I do not like bugs, or worms, or mice, or any creepy crawly creatures. As a kid, I was not interested in catching frogs or inspecting critters – I was more into making fabulous mud pies, trying to dig a hole to China, and examining leaves under a magnifying glass while I sketched them in my notebook. When there is a bug or mouse in the house, it is Kendra’s job to make it go away, and my job to walk in circles chanting, “ew, ew, ew, ew, ewwwwwww.”

However, since Addie was born, I have been facing my fears. I want her explore the outdoors with no worries about the bugs or creatures around her, but instead, curiosity and excitement. Of course, I have quickly realized I need to lead by example. If I am not willing to pick up a worm, Addie won’t be either. So, I have learned to buck up and ignore the squeamish feelings clawing to escape my body.

Today was a perfect example. While gardening, we found a toad. A TOAD. Gross. Sure, it was cool to watch it hop along the grass, but ultimately, I had NO desire to get near it, let alone TOUCH it. Thankfully, Addie did not share my sentiments. Not so thankfully, that meant I had to help her safely interact with her new best friend. (And by safely, I mean keep her from squishing it out of love.) So today, for the first time in my life, I picked up a toad.

Helping Elizabeth (our friend Janet’s daughter) hold her, and my, first toad!

I survived, and Addie was elated! Hopefully I instilled in her a little more love of nature, nurtured her curiosity, and taught her a bit about appreciating everything around her… even toads.