DS vomiting before school

[Lennoxx]

Sorry not AIBU but I’m trying to get to the bottom of this. Recently separated from ex and since September there has been a pattern of ex texting in the morning saying that DS has been sick before school and he can’t go in. It’s happening regularly and DS is now missing lots of school. Last night I took DS out for food and this morning I had another message saying that DS had been sick in the car on the way to school and ex said it was food poisoning from the food last night. I mean how much food poisoning can one kid get?!

DS is in comp and is now missing a fair bit (6 - 7 instances since September)

Concerned about anxiety or something else going on. He seems to vomit once then he’s fine. It’s always when he’s with ex.

This does sound like anxiety to be honest and probably related to the separation of his parents, poor love. I would take him to the GP and get him referred for some mental health support. Are things fairly amicable with your ex? Can you talk to him about this?

Sounds like there could be all sorts going on. I'd speak to his tutor, in case linked to something at school (PE days or other kids in his class etc or something). I would also keep a diary of when/where it's happening, and if your ex is always blaming food poisoning, I would also include what he ate and where as well.

Seems unlikely food - but maybe there is a pattern and it will address what your ex is saying.

Otherwise it could well be upset from his parents splitting. The new routine of moving between 2 houses will take adjusting to.

It definitely sounds like anxiety probably relating to something happen at school rather than genuine illness or food poisoning. I would be wondering if he has actually been sick on all of these occasions or just told your ex he has?

When this happens does his Dad then stay home from work or whatever and look after him for the day? Or does the childcare fall to you? Just wondered if maybe your child was trying to spend more time with his Dad or something and making himself sick (although I know that sounds a bit extreme). Sounds really stressful for you all

Or your ex trying to orchestrate more time with DS by having him home from school for the day? Or trying to inconvenience you if you’re the one taking time off work to look after him ? Just thinking out loud here

Does your ex have him on set days? Who looks after him when he is sick?

I'd take him to the GP.

His sick days naturally fall on my working days when ex is off. He is off when I’m working, I wonder if it might be anxiety or when he was younger he had a very sensitive gag reflex and even the slightest cough would have him vomiting!