I'm really in need of some advice as I'm facing a tough time. I'm a mother of two boys, one is 4 months old and the other is 5 years old. Lately, my 5-year-old has been coming home from school complaining of a tummy ache, and it's happened twice now, both times near the end of the day. This has set off some alarm bells in my mind.
I'm worried if there's something bothering him at home or if it's just a passing discomfort. His teacher mentioned she asked him about it, and he assured her he's fine. When I asked him myself, he echoed the same sentiment, saying his tummy just hurt.
These incidents have led me to overthink things my son is amazing,quirky and imaginative. Recently, he asked me about concepts like death and heaven, and I tried to explain them in a simple way with the circle of life. But this evening, he's was expressed fear about dying and being alone in a new world after a meteorite hits us we recently discussed dinosaurs, which breaks my heart.
I reassured him, but he still feels scared and even said negative things about himself (he said hes not a good person), which caught me off guard. It's tough to see him like this, especially when he's usually so full of wonder and creativity.
He's also been saying things like he wants to to sit on me like his brother does (I assured him theres plenty of room and to come on over), and feeling upset when I have to leave him briefly during bedtime to tend to his crying baby brother. It's really getting to me, and I can't help but wonder if I'm somehow failing as a parent. His sadness and negative self-talk remind me of my own childhood struggles.
I cried when they both fell asleep this evening. I feel my own mental health may need a check up! I cant eat for worry. Should I be concerned and what can I do?