I like bears. On top of a small bear collection, I have a few bear drawings at home. This particular one has been sitting in my room since day one and it takes the place of our wedding picture. However, I’ve had to remove it recently because Gavin is TERRIFIED of it.
He suddenly developed a phobia for this drawing overnight and kicked a big fuss over it one morning. Nothing we did or said could placate him. So in the end, I just had to remove it from our bedroom.
He refers to it as “rectangle bear” probably because the frame is of that shape. While I’m disappointed that I’ve to keep away the drawing, I discovered it is an important tool which can be used to coerce him whenever he’s up to some mischief. All I needed to say was “give you rectangle bear later” and he’ll become more cooperative. But of course, that was short-lived. He’s no longer fearful with it anymore although he still doesn’t want it in the bedroom.
Yesterday, I told him that I’ll get “rectangle bear” to bite him if he’s naughty. He looked at me and pondered for a second before saying “I want square bear to bite me.” THAT is another bear drawing in a square frame.
Gavin really have lots of strange fear huh??
Maybe he had a dream and that bear did something to him.
Comment by zara's mama — Thu, 25 May 2006 @ 3:31 pm
It’s funny how kids develop fears of certain things. My daughter was terrified of the vacuum, and at age 5 still gets on the furniture when I get it out.
Comment by blackbeltmama — Thu, 25 May 2006 @ 11:01 pm
Do you know the real reason for his fears? Maybe the picture became very ’3D’ suddenly, so he frightened himself off. But Mama, don’t frighten the poor boy with the rect bear lah, he may get nightmares… Or maybe he’ll grow stronger and fight off his own fears with his square bear???
Comment by mother superior — Fri, 26 May 2006 @ 9:04 am
I like to use the things that Sara’s terrified of to make her behave too, but I also find that the lifespan of the threat is limited. The latest threat I’ve adopted is the spider. We had a big brown one appear one evening and even though she didn’t see it and we got rid of it, I keep telling her it’s lurking around the dinner table if she doesn’t sit properly.
Comment by Hsin — Fri, 26 May 2006 @ 10:03 am
Whahaha… My mom used to say if I’m naughty, she will sell me to the maphuipo man!!!
Comment by domestic rat — Fri, 26 May 2006 @ 10:41 am
So now his new fear is ‘square bear’? :p So cute and funny!
A pity i still have not found any ‘threats’ to use on Damien..hmm…
Comment by Eileen — Fri, 26 May 2006 @ 11:21 am
To be honest ladies, I’m a little worried about his phobias. I find them silly, but always wonder if there’s anything abnormal. But I try to make light of the situation rather than think too much into it.
Comment by sesame — Fri, 26 May 2006 @ 2:55 pm
My kids used to have this figure of a small yellow skunk. My youngest always got scared of it I think because of the bushy tail. I had to put it away, too.
Comment by niceheart — Sat, 27 May 2006 @ 9:46 am