We'd been out and about for most of the day, but still had one more stop before heading home - the car wash!
It takes a few washings to get all the winter salt and grime off the cars around here. When we saw there was very little line, we decided a stop was in order.
I was super nervous about this trip because I remember Mr. I. at around 2 being absolutely terrified of the car wash when we'd gone through one time. I could still vividly remember how helpless I felt as he was strapped in his car seat and I was in the front seat. I tried so hard to comfort him verbally, but I don't think he could even hear me over his fear and cries. I thought he'd find the trip fun, as I had when I was a little girl. Apparently, I'd been a good bit older at the time, because he was not having it!
It needed to be done, though. I took some deep breaths and swallowed my own fears. I reminded myself that I could use signs that they knew to help them cope with a new and potentially frightening situation, and pulled to the end of the short line of cars.
Before we ever pulled into the line, I started talking up the RAIN we'd be experiencing and how silly it would be. Once the car was being pulled along by the rollers in the car wash, I unbuckled my seat belt to turn around and look at my two sweet boys in the back seat. When the water started to hit the car, it was loud, and Mr. L. looked pretty concerned. Mr. I. was having a lot of fun with this trip, he thought the whole thing was pretty great this time! We kept talking about the RAIN and how our car was getting a BATH. By about half way through the wash, Mr. L. was even smiling an pointing at the brushes rolling by the windows.
We always do car washes during our lunch hour because I am afraid my 2-year-old will be afraid. He's very cautious. My little guy will probably laugh at it.
ReplyDeleteGive it a shot....keep him engaged in conversation so there's something else to focus on - maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised too!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid of them myself, but my kids love them! Popping over from Our Little Escapades :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! We don't use the drive through kind often, and I have to admit they are much louder than I remembered! Sticking to a bucket and sponge might be a fun summer activity.
DeleteCute story! Thanks for sharing with us at the Merry Monday link party. Hope to see you again next week
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I can't wait to share some more fun times, and hopefully some inspiration with you!
ReplyDeleteAww, so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done a car wash with my youngest for at least a couple of years. She used to be frightened, but I'm sure she would be okay now.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thanks for hosting, and for stopping by! I was definitely nervous about how each of my boys would react, but it all worked out great! In fact, the younger one keeps asking to go back :) I hope I've inspired you to try something out, even if you're a bit nervous about it :)
DeleteWell done all, sounds very successful. It's not something we've ever tried (I'm a non driver) but can imagine D would either find it very funny or be terrified of the brushes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with #SSAmazingAchievements
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you can be inspired to try something else that seems scary, and that you'll visit for inspiration in the future!
DeleteWe have always done this with Ethan, talked him through it and tried to make a joke. I'm so glad everyone enjoyed your car wash experience and your nerves are still in tact x
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! This positive experience has definately buoyed me to try other "scary" things!
DeleteGood thing your boys had fun the time you brought them to the car wash. It can be really loud in there, with all the splashing of the water, as well as due to the crowd, but it's great that you somehaw have briefed them about what’s going to happen. Hopefully, your next car wash experience will be at home, so you can have a great family time, while cleaning your car. Thanks for sharing that! All the best!
ReplyDeleteHarvey Hamilton @ All Season Valeters
We haven't had a chance to re-wash the car this rainy summer....but they both request to stop at the automatic at least once a week! Thanks for stopping by!
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