“The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came momma’s foot and squashed the spider flat.
Up came the sun, and dried the spider out.
Now the itsy bitsy spider will never climb again.”
This is the way the song is sung in my house.
I know, I am probably sending the wrong message to my kids. It’s not humane. If I were a better person, I would suck it up, collect the little bugger in a cup, and send it on its merry way outside.
But that would put me just too far outside of my comfort zone. Truthfully, I cannot even count the hapless Daddy Long Legs that have met their doom underneath my foot.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an unrealistic, illogical fear of spiders. And I’m not just referring to things like Black Widows or Hobo Spiders. Pretty much any creature that walks on eight legs sends shivers up my spine.
My daughter, apparently, has not inherited this fear from me. She is completely comfortable being around, or disposing, of anything creepy crawly.
Case in point: a few weeks ago, we were driving home from preschool, and I asked her about the most interesting thing in her day.
I was a bit surprised by her answer. Evidently, she was playing with a couple of the boys in her class on the playground. Along came a spider, and sat down beside them… and frightened those poor boys into a tizzy. As Bobo tells it, she went and grabbed a stick, and “poked the spider until it didn’t move anymore.” And then she patted the boys on the back and told them it was okay.
I loved this for two reasons.
First, I think it’s pretty funny that Bobo played both the protector and the nurturer role here. She gallantly saved her little friends from that nasty, icky spider, then looped back to make sure they were emotionally okay as well.
Secondly, it gave me an idea. I’ve decided that the next time a spider dares to make an appearance in my home, I shall do what any arachnophobe would do.
I shall send Bobo to go fetch a shoe. And I will ask very nicely if she will whap the spider for me.
Because I need me some protecting. And who better to do it than my four year-old daughter?
My daughter… my little superhero. It makes perfect sense. Because, when it comes down to it, there’s only one kind of spider – the little superhero spider named Bobo – that could wriggle her way into the confines of my comfort zone, or my house.
This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop prompt. “Your Comfort Zone.” However, credit for the real inspiration behind this post needs to go to Bethany. Because she said it first. Plus, she wields a mean can of aerosol.
I am DYING at that picture! It's hilarious! And isn't it nice to have at least one person in the house who will defend you? My son caught a moth for me last night and flicked it outside. Those things are almost as freaky as spiders.And I'm glad that the horrors in my life are in some way inspirational to you! 🙂 Go Bobo!!
Ohh, I don't like em either! But unfortunately, M hates them even worse and totally freaks out so I have to protect her. When Wes isn't around that is. When he is, he has to do the whomping! Bobo sounds simply amazing. Strong, confident, caring and compassionate! All the things I want my daughter to be. Even if she can't find it in her to whomp the spiders.
First of all, I completely share your irrational fear of spiders. They literally make me faint. Secondly, I'm hiring your daughter to be my protector. Because she rocks.
I love it! What a great girl. That is hilarious that she poked it until it didn't move anymore. A girl after my own heart. My daughter, on the other hand, is more likely to climb on the table at the sight of a spider. Go figure.
I am TERRIFIED of spiders and the fear just gets worse with each passing fear. And my oldest saves me all the time…it's great to have those kinds of hero's isn't it!!
Bobo is such a spunky little gal! I wished she lived close enough to me so I can call on her the next time I see a spider! Does she fight off snakes too? Now THAT is my biggest fear!
I need a spider killer, too! I hate them…HATE them, but so does the rest of my family (all boys, by the way).
I love your song! Too funny.What a brave little girl.
My husband is one of those humane "scoop them up" kinda guys. I on the other hand am the "KILL IT KILL IT KILL IT" screecher. The thing is, I can't kill it. I'm afraid it's a mama with babies and if I step on it the babies will pour out of mama by the millions. Then I would die from fear right on the spot. So instead of calling my husband when I see a spider, I just grab my cat. She never hesitates to take care of the job.
Loved your post :)I am so afraid of spiders that Whenever I have encounter with them I scream on top of my voice and jump all over the place and then comes my HE-MAN to rescue me…lol
The Dudes are on creepy crawly patrol whenever Dumb Dad is out of the house. The kill them and they collect them because if there is one thing I'm certain of it's that spiders are evil and I should not go anywhere near them or their 6 legged insect cousins. Thank goodness for my house full of bug killing boys!
I saw a spider in the house yesterday and chose to ignore it. Then when I couldn't find it again I got all freaked out. Where is it??The image you create with your words of your little girl poking the spider is hilarious. I actually laughed out loud.Have a great day.
I am so much like you, any bug that comes in my path is DEAD! This has transferred to my triplets. They now run out side and stomp all bugs. I think that I may have gone too far. Bugs outside are alright. I think.
This is soo funny, but hey I would do exactly that ha ha ha…Why do it when there is a super hero to save the dayda da da daaaaaa!
too cute! Sounds like she would love the job of spider defender!
Awesome! I love your revised version of the song! And your 4-year-old hero is so adorable.
What would we do without our kids?!?My oldest son is in charge of pest management. He'll squash those big nasty spiders for me (while I'm standing paralyzed nearby). He even removed a (live) mouse from my bathroom and set it free outside.
spiders are too much for me, as well. but craig is even more of a wuss about them, so i have to be brave. i think that spiderman pose is awesome!!
Every home needs a great, fearless spider killer!! I have started to get the puppy to eat them, because neither of my kids will do it….not eat them, I mean kill them.Love the spidey-pose!
I hate when people say that Daddy Long Legs can do no harm. I don't care. They're gross – and deserve their impending death. I love that Bobo was the one to squash the spider. Super awesome!
Oh. My. Goodness! I love this! And to tell the truth… I'd do the same darn thing! I despise spiders! (Maybe I can teach my son to kill the spiders for ME?)