Tuesday June 10, 2025 | Book: Feel the fear and do it anyway

What are you afraid of... and why?

Fear of

public speaking

asserting yourself

making decisions

intimacy

being alone

being with people

aging

driving

following your dream

losing a loved one

ending a relationship

I believe that something like this happened with me and I was like 3 or 4 years old. (i think)  I know that my parents will never remember that me doing this at 3 or 4 but I poked out that middle finger at someone and got my very first punishment.(i think)  This may be my imagination but I wonder if I became scared of everything when I was about 3 year old.  I am not blaming my parents but I'm thinking I was around ages 3 to about 5 years old when picking up this fear of strangers and that people could really hurt me really badly or could take advantage of someone like me.  Apparently, I was listening to every word everyone said.  

Somehow I feel the need to speak only when I have to say something.  Just hear me out.  There is this individual who had selective mutism, OCD, and Asperger's. Her name is Greta Thunberg and I keep hearing about her all over the news.  I am wonder if it could be possible that I could have Asperger's?

I began to notice that many people were struggling with the same situation I was in.  Well not in the same situation.  They could do more than I could do.

"At 3 years old, getting into trouble can trigger fear in children due to a combination of factors, including a developing understanding of their parents' reactions and a heightened sense of vulnerability. When parents become upset or angry, it can signal to a child that something is wrong, and they may associate that feeling with the behavior that caused it. 

Here's a more detailed look at why this fear can develop:

• Vulnerability:

  A 3-year-old is still developing a sense of self and relies heavily on their parents for safety and security. When a parent expresses anger or disapproval, it can be experienced as a threat to that security. 
• Lack of Understanding:

  Young children may not fully grasp the reasons behind their actions and how those actions impact their parents. They may not understand the concept of "doing wrong" in a nuanced way. 
• Parental Tone:

  The tone of voice and body language used during a reprimand can have a significant impact on a child's fear response. If a parent is overly harsh or intimidating, it can create a strong fear response. 
• Guilt and Anxiety:

  Children at this age can also experience guilt and anxiety when they are corrected. They may feel that they have done something "bad" and may be concerned about their parents' reactions or future punishments. 
• Overprotective Parenting:

  In some cases, an overprotective parenting style can contribute to a child's fear of getting into trouble. If parents are constantly worried or anxious about their child's behavior, it can create a heightened sense of fear. 
• Separation Anxiety:

  If a child has a strong separation anxiety, the prospect of facing a parent's anger or disapproval can be particularly distressing. 

In short, the fear of getting into trouble at 3 years old is a natural part of a child's emotional development. It's a result of their developing understanding of cause and effect, their dependence on their parents, and the way those parents express their emotions. 

To help children manage this fear, parents can:

• Be consistent and clear in their expectations.
• Communicate calmly and gently, even when correcting a child.
• Help children understand the reasons behind their actions.
• Validate their emotions and provide support.
• Avoid using punishment or threats that could create excessive fear."