"My wife "Anna" and I have a 3-year-old daughter, "Bree," who is terrified of dogs. Four months ago, my in-laws adopted a little ankle-biter mutt that barks and nips at anyone who isn't them. The last time we visited, Bree was so scared we had to take her home. Now my in-laws are insisting on bringing the dog with them when they come for Christmas. I don't want Bree to be terrified during what should be an enjoyable time for her."
"I completely get your frustration and annoyance here, and I think you have every right not to want your 3-year-old to be terrified during Christmas. But let's be reasonable: Is Grandma and Grandpa's teeny-tiny dog going really to rip anyone's face off? Probably not. I don't think this is danger you think it is. The problem is, Bree doesn't know that."
A three-year-old named Bree is terrified of dogs. Four months ago grandparents adopted a small mutt that barks and nips at anyone who is not them. A recent visit left Bree so frightened that her parents had to take her home. The grandparents now insist on bringing the dog for Christmas. The father fears traumatizing Bree and considers spending the holiday elsewhere if the dog comes. The mother favors exposure therapy but prefers gradual contact with a calm, friendly dog rather than a hyperactive animal that intimidates children. Advice recommends prioritizing the child's emotional safety and avoiding forced exposure on holidays.
Read at Slate Magazine
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]