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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to keep replying to my teenager’s late-night reassurance texts?

85 replies

TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:14

Years ago my ex was very abusive and it scared my son, that was 4 years ago. Well we have both had therapy and counselling and my son is 15 now . But every night my son texts me night and likes my door open. The problem I’m now having is , he won’t sleep till 2/3am sometimes :( is it bad I text him back because he likes to text me every night from his room? I feel bad because it’s my fault he’s like this :( but then I’m so tired him texting my constantly all night every night :(

OP posts:
Original poster
TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:31

TMFF · 04/04/2026 01:30

Is this the same son who was spoken to by police regarding allegations made against him of sexual abuse?

No that’s my other son

OP posts:
TMFF · 04/04/2026 01:30

Is this the same son who was spoken to by police regarding allegations made against him of sexual abuse?

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:25

CrispyCrumpets · 04/04/2026 01:23

When I can't sleep I put buds in and listen to an audio book. Could this be an option for your son?

Tried this and rain sounds :( everything!!! :(

OP posts:
CrispyCrumpets · 04/04/2026 01:23

When I can't sleep I put buds in and listen to an audio book. Could this be an option for your son?

WerewolfOfLoudon · 04/04/2026 01:22

TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:19

Yes but it’s when he can’t sleep he likes to be on the end of his phone to me, strange I know but that’s what he likes

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He is 15, it is time to set boundaries. Nothing wrong with texting goodnight and leaving your bedroom door slightly ajar but texting at 2am is not acceptable. He won't sleep if he's on a phone all night.

Holidaymodeon · 04/04/2026 01:21

Bless him. Talk to him about what other ways you can support him to feel safer at night.
talking always helps.
Try and get him on the waiting list for some mental health support before he’s too old to qualify for children’s services, once he’s an adult it will be much harder to access appropriate support.
if you have any spare money consider private therapy for someone who specialises in children who have experienced trauma.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:19

WerewolfOfLoudon · 04/04/2026 01:16

Have you tried talking to him instead of texting?

Yes but it’s when he can’t sleep he likes to be on the end of his phone to me, strange I know but that’s what he likes

OP posts:
Original poster
TheOpalFox · 04/04/2026 01:19

RoseField1 · 04/04/2026 01:18

Well you need to help him feel safe so he no longer feels the need to text you at night. What have you tried?

absolutely everything:(

OP posts:
RoseField1 · 04/04/2026 01:18

Well you need to help him feel safe so he no longer feels the need to text you at night. What have you tried?

WerewolfOfLoudon · 04/04/2026 01:16

Have you tried talking to him instead of texting?

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