As a homeschooling parent who believes in learning beyond classroom walls, I have always cherished the idea that education can happen anywhere.
For us, travelling has been a fantastic way to learn and bond as a family, whether exploring local spots or going on international adventures. However, a few months ago, our journey took an unexpected turn when my child suddenly developed a fear and anxiety about travelling.I vividly remember the first time my child expressed overwhelming fear about going on journeys, whether short trips or longer adventures, especially on the local metro.
It was a pivotal moment that sparked a journey of understanding and compassion. At first, I struggled to comprehend the root cause of my child’s anxiety. Despite my child’s reluctance to leave the house, I knew I had to delve deep into understanding their perspective to offer meaningful support.I took it step by step, starting with validating my child’s feelings of anxiety and observing their behaviour closely. It became apparent that my child had developed a fear of travelling, refusing to leave the safety of our home. Recalling our past travels, I realized that a traumatic incident involving a crowded lift at the metro station had triggered my child’s anxiety.
Communication became the cornerstone of our journey. Creating a safe space for my child to express their fears and worries was crucial. Understanding the trigger – the lift at the metro station – was pivotal in formulating a tailored approach to address my child’s anxiety.
Armed with insight and empathy, I implemented practical strategies to alleviate my child’s travel anxiety. From visualization techniques to creating familiarity through routine and preparation, each approach was customized to suit my child’s needs.
One day, I decided to confront my child’s travel anxiety simply by initiating a scavenger adventure. It began with a simple trip to our local supermarket, but it turned into a profound adventure of healing and growth.
As we entered the supermarket, I could sense my child’s unease. To ease her nerves, I suggested a scavenger hunt to distract her from her anxiety. We roamed the aisles, searching for items that would help us manage our emotions. When my child found a bottle of bubbles, her face lit up with excitement. Blowing bubbles became our first coping mechanism—a simple yet effective way to release tension and anxiety.
Leaving the supermarket behind, we ventured towards the metro station, our next destination. Along the way, we engaged in breathing exercises to calm our nerves. With each inhale and exhale, I could feel the tension dissipating, replaced by a sense of calm and determination.
As we approached the metro station, I could see the fear resurfacing in my child’s eyes. But this time, she was determined to face it head-on. With bubbles in hand, we entered the station, ready to conquer our fears together.
Standing in front of the lift that had triggered my child’s anxiety in the past, I took a deep breath and reminded her of our plan. Blowing bubbles, we stepped into the lift, hand in hand. As the doors closed behind us, I could feel my child’s grip tighten, but she didn’t let go. Together, we rode the lift to the top, our hearts pounding with anticipation.
When the doors finally opened, we stepped out onto the platform, triumphant smiles on our faces. We had done it—we had faced our fears and emerged victorious. As we boarded the metro train, I could feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over us. We hugged each other tightly, celebrating our bravery and resilience.
Our journey to overcome travel anxiety was not easy, but it was undeniably worth it. Through patience, understanding, and unwavering support, we conquered our fears and emerged stronger as a family. And as we continued our adventures, I knew that we could face any challenge that came our way, together.
I witnessed my child gradually gain confidence and embrace the wonders of travel once more.
Our family’s experience taught us the power of resilience and the importance of facing our fears together. As we continue our journey, learning and growing together, happily ever after.
