Son suddenly telling me he loves me more

[Aria2015]

So this is probably the most ridiculous thing to even worry about and I'm likely overthinking. But in the last month or so my 8 year old son has started to tell me he loves me a lot more than he's previously done and he's also being much more affectionate.

He was a real mummy's boy when he was small and glued to me, but this tapered off as he got to 5/6 and then since turning 7 he was much more independent, less inclined to hold my hand, hug etc... and started to call me 'mum' instead of 'mummy'.

I'm loving this renewed love and affection for me, but then it popped into my head that maybe it's a sign he's needing extra love and reassurance for some reason and now I'm worrying.

I guess i'd accepted that he'd pulled away a bit as he got older and wasn't expecting him to revert back to his more loving ways.

Anyone else had similar? Is it normal? Should I just relax and enjoy? Or should I probe further to see if there is a reason for this increase in verbal and physical affection?

He's just exploring the world, his identity etc and testing the elastic bond between you if you get what I mean.

Goes a bit further away then comes back a but closer, next time he'll go a bit further still then come back a bit, maybe less than before.

Maybe he is coping someone? A friend or a younger sibling?

Around that age I started to develop anxiety about leaving my mum alone while I was at school. I was worried that she was lonely or sad or that something might happen. I never really said anything about it but I would think about it all day at school and just worry all day hoping she wasn’t sad at home..

I have two kids now and bloody love nursery days so I can have the day to myself so I know now I worried for nothing 😂

could it be that?

but this tapered off as he got to 5/6 and then since turning 7 he was much more independent
That is a natural progression for all children as he was excitedly exploring the world with other like minded children. Now he's seen it he's happy to return to home comforts until the next natural exploration around 11-12 yrs when they want more independence. Some don't return "home" and may even end up creating a warzone, others do and usually retain that bond until a life partner comes along then it's back to exploration. Again some leave for good, some return when grandchildren are born. Its like waves on a beach. Enjoy these times ❤

You put it much better than I was trying to.

This sounds about right. It's sweet when they are lovey doves.

That's so nice, but if something is setting off your mother's instinct/gut feeling it wouldn't hurt to be alert to any issues he could be having, like at school, for example. Otherwise, that's wonderful, just enjoy!

Thank you so much for the replies everyone.

He's my oldest child so I'm experiencing all the 'firsts' with him. It's reassuring (and lovely) to hear that it's normal for them to pull away and then comeback (sometimes!). We've recently been giving him more independence and older brother 'perks' like a later bedtime, maybe that's played a part?

I did ask him if he had any worries at school or at home but he's said no, He's usually quite open, but I know that can change as they get older too.

I will enjoy the extra love for as long as it lasts!!