This reminds me of my two youngest kids. Every weekend, I take the boys for a hike in the woods on one or both days. We’ve done this since they were born. It’s important to me, my oldest (daughter) always enjoyed it, and the boys liked it when they were younger.
But then one day, it seemed to change. They would complain that they didn’t want to go (mostly my middle son, and the youngest seemed to copy). It could end up in tears and fighting, but eventually they would find themselves out on the trail or hiking a mountain. Invariably – as in 100% of the time – their whole mood would change as soon as they’re out of the car and on the trail. Within no time at all, they would be having a great time.
This is still mostly how it goes, although the complaining is kept to a minimum because they know that I am not going to change my mind. I’d also like to think that somewhere in the back of their mind, they are starting to realize that the dreaded hike is something that they enjoy tremendously once they are out there.
Adults are like this to – myself included. But I find that I’m more open to questioning my dread more. It’s a habit that doesn’t seem too useful.