The alarm clock chimed at 6:30 AM, and I groaned, anticipating another day of tears from our little girl, Lizzie. My husband, Dave, stirred beside me, offering a hopeful, “Maybe today will be different,” but his voice held a hint of skepticism.

Lizzie had been so excited to start at Happy Smiles Daycare, but her enthusiasm quickly turned into dread. After just two weeks, she was begging us, “No daycare, Mommy!” Despite our reassurances and efforts to make the transition easier, including bringing her beloved stuffed bear, Mr. Snuggles, her anxiety only worsened.

When the daycare teachers insisted she was fine after we left, Dave proposed an unconventional solution: hiding a tiny microphone in Mr. Snuggles. Reluctantly, I agreed. The next day, we listened in horror as a child bullied Lizzie, threatening her with a “monster” if she told anyone.

We rushed back to the daycare and found Lizzie cornered by an older girl named Carol. After playing the recording for the director, she promised to expel Carol. That night, as Lizzie slept peacefully, I felt a pang of guilt for not noticing her distress earlier.

Following the incident, Carol’s parents reached out, expressing shock and seeking help for their daughter. As we left their home, Lizzie asked how we knew she was scared. I replied, “Because mommies and daddies have superpowers.” I vowed to trust my instincts about Lizzie’s well-being and remain actively involved in her life.