DD has always been an anxious child and it seems to come and go. She has been scared of things like hoovers etc from a young age and things like dressed up Disney characters have always sent her into hysteria. I just assumed it was relatively normal but recently she has been more worried than normal and it is concerning me.
I went away for 4 days with friends over Easter (not unusual, DH and I leave her and DS with my parents for a few days about 4 times a year and she is normally fine). This time she was sobbing for 3 nights before I left and then kept going for the first day she was with my mum. She cries when I leave her at Brownies and is very clingy when I drop her at school.
At bed time she often says she is worried about having bad dreams which she says she has most nights.
Tonight she told me she was worried about herself and that she didn't want to be alive any more. I asked why and she said the days were going by so fast and she would be grown up soon and have to leave me. I told her that she didn't ever HAVE to leave me but chances are when she is a grown up she would want to go and do her own thing and maybe live with her friends. We discussed death a bit but she doesn't really seem to understand it and how she wouldn't be able to do anything fun anymore. I talked about all the good things that were ahead of her and how long life is and how exciting it will be. She said she was still worried :(
I asked if she wanted to talk to somebody about her worries and she said yes. DH then had a lighthearted chat with her and said she doesn't understand what she is saying about not being alive and she thinks it will make all bad things go away but she will still be able to see all of us.
I admit I am anxious but I try my hardest to hide it from my kids and see a counsellor so I can let it out in private. Most of the time I am confident and self assured and people are surprised to find out I am a bit of a worrier. My mum and grandma were worriers too and I feel like I have passed this on to her. I am trying to be calm and lighthearted when talking to her and saying she has nothing to worry about and to just think happy thoughts but right now I feel like crying :(
How can I help my baby become confident and not be plagued by these horrible feelings for life?
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Anxious DD (7) said she doesn't want to be alive anymore :(
15 replies
AngryFeet · 30/04/2012 22:06
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