My 6 year old BEGS to go on roller coaster rides and slides at the water park, but is TERRIFIED of car washes!

Question

Is this normal, or is something wrong with her? I mean- a car wash compared to the Black Hole at Hurricane Harbor?! WHAT THE HECK?!

Answer 1

A car wash has many moving parts and noises and such that could frighten a young child. Brushes and parts and mechanical things come and go and appear suddenly which could be frightening. I think its normal, esp since she is only 6 years old. Phobias and fears are irrational and also often don't make sense. However, this could pass as she gets older and realizes that all the noisy moving parts are harmless. Everyone will have at least one thing they are afraid of. Alot of fears are survival instincts that we were all born with.  I personally am afraid of spiders, worms, needles, doctors and hospitals. Even though doctors and the staff are trying to help me get better, show me a needle and I will have to fight the instinct to run.  I have been known to have panic attacks and on one occasion, I even fainted. I get better about it as I get older and more mature. My family doesn't get it; I can ride freefall rides, ride the tallest, fastest, most intense rollercoaster out there without a second thought. I am not afraid of heights and rollercoasters because I am an enthusiast that will ride whenever the chance comes. However, show me a little needle and I get all freaked out. Its two different kinds of "scary" where the needle (or car wash in your case) is unpleasant and utterly terrifying, while thrill rides are a "fun scary" where you experience feelings of euphoria, and the pride that you have accomplished something. The high of an adrenaline rush for those who enjoy it is wonderful and is difficult to put into words.  On thrill rides you are able to laugh at your and your friend's/family's reaction and escape the stressful real world. However, to some people these types of rides are too stressful and they don't care for such an experience. It is amazing how we are all human, yet so different from each other.

Now about rollercoasters and water parks: these are places where people go to have fun. You see people laughing, smiling, and having a good time. Your daughter is taking all of this in. The sights, the sounds, the colorful environment, the beauty of it all draws you in. This is much more pleasant to a child than a car wash with brushes and appendages suddenly appearning and startling her. This will likely pass, but you never know, my mother is terrified of escalators!

Answer 2

you kids loves heights and car washes are loud and they make you feel like you are too secluded..rollercoasters you know your safe and they are big and open

Answer 3

MY son is the same with certain things. He is almost 5. He wants us to take him horseback riding and we get there and he wont get on the horse. He wants to do a lot of things but when he is standing there about to face it , forget it.  So i would just be patient.

If she wants to ride it , make sure the line is short and get her on it quickly so she can't think and dwell while standing there waiting....once she is on there is no turning back. And once she goes she will either love or hate it from that point on.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Maybe shes claustrophobic.

Answer 5

Well i'm not quite the same, but I'm terrified of heights, I can't go up ladders without shaking, but get me near a roller coaster or a thrill ride and i'm on it and having a terrific time.  I believe its something to do with the security of the rides (knowing everyone else has been on it successfully, and being secured in).  

I think it is a mind set thing, you know you are at the park to have fun, so everything is fun!

Answer 6

lol, i don't think anything's wrong with her. ^_^ after all, children's minds work in mysterious ways.