CARDBOARD CAR WASH

The mere mention of going to the car wash both excites and terrifies my daughter. Recently, after begging us to take her, we went to the drive-thru wash at the gas station and let me tell you: She. Freaked. Out. Not in a positive way either, I’m talking about a full on toddler-sized panic attack. The terror in her eyes was heartbreaking and honestly, completely unexpected. She was so excited to go through it the entire time we waited, then she pulled a 180 out of nowhere! Thus began her love/hate relationship with the car wash. During her nap, I decided to cut up a large cardboard box and transform it into a car wash. I figured being able to play and  have fun with it might help with her fears. When she woke up, she was excited about it but approached it with caution. Even though it was just a toy, her vivid imagination made it feel real to her. And scary. After some comforting words, she slowly moved through it and each time, the excitement stayed and the fear subsided. Next step: Conquering the real gas station car wash! 

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