21st Century Mummy

Ever since I can remember, I have been scared of spiders. I can handle beetles, bugs, snakes and rats, but NOT spiders and especially no house spiders. It’s true to say I am absolutely petrified of them. They are the epitomy of vileness, with their fat bodies and skinny legs, scuttling across the floor and springing out to give you a fright when you least expect to see one. If I see one, I scream and have to get my OH to get rid of it as I’m terrified if I tried to kill it, it might run up my arm. Ugh!

I don’t think I’m ever going to get over my arachnophobia, but I’m determined not to transfer my fears onto my 2 year old, and as such I have always tried to maintain my composure when I see one. When I spotted a big web containing a big, fat spider in one of our windows, instead of destroying it, I’d take her to look at it (from the inside of course) and we’d talk about it. I tried not to shudder! So far, she is fearless, with her even talking about tickling spiders if she sees one (picked up from Peppa Pig I think).

The other morning I was in the bath, she came running in shouting “Mummy, Mummy, come quick, there’s a spider on my blanket”. She was insistent I had a look. “Oh joy” I thought.  Dripping wet I got out of the bath and headed to her room, not certain of my game plan if I saw it, but knowing I’d have to remain calm.

It had disappeared. I reluctantly picked up and shook the blanket and nothing. Thankfully, the spider had vanished. But, I know it’s hiding, until the next time I make the bed, or sort the washing or have a bath…

Is there anything you are scared of that you are determined not to pass on to your children?