Mom Insists That Her Daughter, Who's Afraid of Lightning, Walk the Dogs Outside Despite the Approaching Storm
A mom in Florida insisted her daughter should take the dogs outside to pee, even though thunder was rolling in and lightning was on the way. The twist? The daughter is genuinely afraid of storms, and she is not being dramatic for attention.
OP says her mom kept pushing the “just go outside real quick” plan, despite her daughter’s fear and despite Florida being basically a lightning hotspot. To make it worse, the family has a history: a horse named Thor was killed by lightning, and OP admits her mom was at fault back then. Now the same mom wants to recreate that risk, while OP is trying to keep everyone safe and clean up later if needed.
Here’s the full story of how one quick dog errand turned into a full-blown argument about fear, timing, and the backyard versus the storm.
The original poster's (OP's) mom wants her to let the dogs pee outside.
However, since she's afraid of lightning and a storm is approaching, she refuses to do it. They live in Florida, where lightning strikes frequently.
She has bad memories about lightning. It killed one of their horses, who, ironically, is named Thor.
The OP acknowledges that it was her mom's bad decision at the time.
OP’s mom really believed the “outside for a minute” rule would solve everything, right up until the sky started acting like it meant business.
This situation highlights the developmental challenges children face when confronted with fears, such as fear of lightning.
Poor Thor. He seemed like a bubbly horse.
The moment you hear thunder in Florida, it's best to go inside.
"Stuck on stupid" best describes the mom in this situation, according to a user.
And then the Thor tragedy hung over the whole thing, because this is not a brand-new fear for the daughter.
Moreover, this scenario reflects the concept of exposure therapy, where gradual exposure to fear-inducing stimuli can help children manage anxiety. However, forcing a child to confront their fear without proper preparation can lead to increased anxiety and avoidance behavior in the future.
Studies show that supportive, gradual exposure can help children develop more effective coping mechanisms, promoting resilience in the face of fear.
It feels like the same storm-time stress as the man who accepted friends with an old dog, then got accused of exposing a renter’s pet to disease.
Why take the risk when the dogs can just pee in the backyard for the time being?
Taking walks outside when a storm is approaching is both risky for the dog and the walker.
At least the OP suggested a compromise. They can just clean it up later when the skies have cleared.
So when OP offered the compromise, “pee in the backyard, clean it up after,” it exposed how reckless the mom’s plan actually was.
Strategies for Supporting Children Through Fear
For instance, introducing children to thunder sounds at a lower volume can help desensitize them in a safe environment.
Research indicates that this gradual approach can significantly reduce anxiety responses over time, allowing children to build confidence in their ability to cope with fear.
Maybe the OP needs to watch some lightning documentaries with her mom to make her realize how bad of a decision it was.
Some dogs hate lightning; others don't mind it. Still, it's always best to prioritize her and the dogs' safety.
It's totally okay for dogs to skip a day without walking, especially if it's for their safety.
By the time thunder hit and the dogs needed to go, the mom’s stubbornness looked a lot like “stuck on stupid” in real time.
Additionally, creating a supportive environment where children feel safe expressing their fears is crucial. Encouraging open dialogue about their feelings can help children process their emotions and feel more secure.
Studies show that children who feel supported by their caregivers are more likely to develop healthy coping strategies and resilience.
It's foolish to underestimate inclement weather, especially in a state like Florida.
Dogs need daily walks. But it wouldn't hurt if a day goes by without it.
The mom should prioritize the safety of her dogs and daughter. There's nothing wrong with being on the safe side, especially when it comes to something that she cannot control.
We're just glad that everything worked out in the end with OP and her mom, and we hope she won't ask her daughter to do this again next time.
This situation underscores the critical need for sensitivity when dealing with children's fears, particularly in the context of Florida's stormy weather. The article illustrates how a mother's insistence on having her daughter walk the dogs outside, despite her fear of lightning, may not be the best approach given the intensity of thunderstorms in the region. Instead of forcing exposure to this anxiety-inducing situation, a more supportive environment could be created by acknowledging the child's fears and exploring coping strategies together. Gradual exposure to fears, along with honest conversations about safety and comfort, would likely yield better outcomes for children facing such anxieties.
Nobody wants to gamble with lightning, especially when there’s already a Thor-shaped reminder in the family history.
For another argument over animal fear, see the AITA fight after a neighbor set off Christmas fireworks.
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