I rehearse every possible emergency before leaving the house

Dear Delyara, Before taking my children anywhere, I imagine what could kill them. Car accident, choking, allergic reaction, stranger in the car park, dog attack, heatstroke, sudden illness. I pack medication, snacks, spare clothes, water, chargers, antiseptic, and copies of insurance details for trips that last twenty minutes. My husband says preparation is sensible until it prevents living. Last Saturday, we planned to visit the zoo. I spent so long checking weather, traffic, crowd levels, and hospital locations that the children were dressed and waiting by the door for an hour. Then I cancelled because one review mentioned aggressive birds near the picnic area. My daughter cried and asked why everything is dangerous to me. I told her I was keeping them safe. She replied, “Safe from what we wanted to do?” I have begun therapy, but anxiety still presents itself as love. That is what makes it difficult to resist. Every fear arrives wearing my children’s faces.