Thinking bad things will happen to my kids

[GisAFag]

I have 1 adult DC and 1 year 7 DC. I find that I constantly worry that something awful will happen to either. I know statistically it's unlikely and if anything did I'd deal with whatever it is. I wish I could just NOT.
How do you deal with this?

Could you seek out some sessions with a therapist either nhs or private? Not because you have a mental health problem necessarily but for techniques to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

Essentially the crux of it is that these thoughts are normal and the more you try to push them away, the more they'll come back (like a boomerang!). Allow the thoughts but don't attach any meaning to them, or react to them. So if you can try to notice when the thought pops up and say "oh hello, you again! I know you pop up because I live my kids so much, and you think that you're helping me by preparing me for the worst, but actually it's not that helpful. I'll just let you hang out if you want but I'm not going to pay you much attention" (obviously this can become a shorter version as you get used to it!) and then just get in with your day. You'll notice they come and go. Don't feed the beast by engaging with the content of them or trying to stop them. It's just part of life. Good luck

Ps I have these thoughts all the time too. I think most parents do.

Yes I have these thoughts too. I'll be reading the replies with interest.
I also link them to doing things the 'right' way - like placing coat hangers a certain way in the wardrobe etc etc. Obv I know this is silly.

Me too , I also have to perform certain rituals or check things are in the correct place in order to 'protect ' my children. Eg the pegs match the colour of the clothes. I've no tips or advice but I wanted you to know you are not alone in being like this.

I won't for example rearrange the furniture unless we're all home otherwise that's the reason things go wrong. And I never say or think I am happy. Its always I'm glad. If I say happy then something crap will happen.. My kids think I am funnily weird.

I'm like this too. I'm in perpetual fear that something will happen to them

You guys with rituals might be bordering on OCD. Worth seeking help if it's getting in your way or taking up too much of your time/headspace. You can try reducing the rituals by slowly cutting down on them. If you find you can't do it, might be time to call someone.

@GisAFag @user1471441839 please speak to your GP about this - the ritual behaviour is really not healthy, and there is help available. You deserve to live without this severe anxiety, and so do your children.