Haunted House and Timing

     It is the great challenge of the mother to know when things are right.  We need to be aware of timing.  One push too soon can be damaging.  A wait too long can be sad.  This is the balance we strive to give to our children.  When I was young my mother found the highest wedge sandals that she could in order to fool the woman in the height booth of the Dragon Coaster in Rye.  This was wrong on so many levels but I'll leave it for the therapy sessions.  I did love the kiddy coasters that I had ridden previously but was I ready for the big guy?  Nope.  Yet, there I was terrified at a ride that probably could've waited one more summer.  I guess after the string of movies that I viewed in the theaters that summer it was no big deal...but that's another therapy session.  My point is that some things in life are about timing.  If you pull the pole out too quickly you will lose the fish.  If you hit the flipper too late you will lose your multi-ball.  Last year I felt it was time for my little man to hit the big coaster.  It was perfect and we both enjoyed the ride together.  But after spending too many nights convincing the crying little guy that monsters weren't real I knew it was not time for the dark place full of terror.  This year I knew he was ready.  We celebrated together.  He is at the age when he is trying so hard to be brave so I did some of the work for him.  We rode together.  I kept my hand on his leg.  I warned him about the strings that would trickle down upon on his head.  (I also was sure to ride early in the morning so that it had time to wear off before beddy bye.)  Everything else was up to him.  He closed his eyes and jumped right out of his seat at certain parts.  I could tell he was scared to death.  When the ride was over we did a high five and he went back into "brave" mode as he talked about how cool it was with his older sister.  He trusts me now.  I spent a lot of time on this trip letting them make decisions and by the end of the trip they understood that I am thoughtful and a bit more experienced in my old age...and maybe they can listen just a little bit longer to Mom.  I'll take any minutes I can get...because I know what's coming.  But then again I know the headlights and loud truck horn honk are coming at the end of the dark hallway in the haunted house and yet it gets me every time!!!