Fear Conquered

Lily has always been a cautious child and had some anxiety here and there.  Lately, however, her anxiety and fears have been escalating.  I am hoping this is a phase, but am taking it very seriously none the less.  I grew up with too many fears and missed out on a lot of things as a result.  I don’t want her to have the same experience. 
We got her a great workbook: What to do When You Worry Too Much:  A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety.  The book does seem to be helping and has some great strategies for us to work on, such as the worry bully and the worry box.  We are going to try these strategies for a while and see if things get better. 
On Sunday James and Trey made plans to take the kids to see Monster University at the movie theater.  I could tell Lily was a little nervous, but she seemed more excited than nervous.  Sarah Ellen has never been a fan of loud things (ironic, I know), but hasn’t been in a theater in a long time so surely she would be fine.  Lets just say with the combo of the storm outside, large building (fear of Lily’s), and loud theater that the trip didn’t go so well.  Two movie tickets, a pack of sour patch kids and M&M’s later, my fam was out of there before the previews even started. 
After talking it through with the girls, we decided to try the theater again on Tuesday morning for the free summer series.   I figured with it being free, we have nothing to lose.  The movie playing was Hop.  Score one for us.  We have seen this movie and the girls know that it is not scary.  As we enter the theater, they both start screaming.  Lily let go of my hand and dartsedout the door.  Unfortunately, we were early which only meant more time to sit in the theater and be nervous yell and cry.  I assured everyone around us that we would be leaving if the girls continued during the movie.  I’m not sure that made them feel any better about the current situation. 
I made a deal.  We would stay for the first 5 minutes of the movie and then if they wanted to leave, we would.  As soon as the movie started, Lily was fine and ready to watch.  I fudged on the time a little with Sarah Ellen.  It took her a little longer than five minutes to be convinced, but she eventually came around. 
And WE DID IT!  We stayed for the entire movie!!! Dang if we didn’t conquer that fear.  I am proud of my brave girls for sticking it out.

Before the movie:

After the movie: