Anyone else anxious every day that something might happen to their children?

[Namesnamesnames13]

Does anyone fear/anxious something will happen to their children every day? Worry about SIDS, choking, accidents, everything. It’s torture 🤦‍♀️

Depends what you mean by anxious. I fear for them yes, but I see this as an unpleasant but natural and helpful thing which probably helps keep them safe. If I think "I'm scared my children might drown," then my next thought is "How can I prevent that happening?" and I put sensible safety measures in place. It's just like I naturally risk assess for myself, but with an added heart thump of fear!

Considering fears/dangers probably takes up 3 minutes of each day on average if I had to guess! After each baby it's been slightly worse until they are toddling and then it eases off to a more normal level.

I try to accept the worry, consider how to mitigate it, then actively move my thoughts on to a completely different subject.

It hasn't ever taken over my life, even in the baby years. If it is moving into something which is overwhelming you, then I think you need to sort it out.

No, not at all. This really is no way to live. It sounds miserable. Have you reached out for some help for your anxiety? GP or HV if yours are still young?

I have been through times over the years where it is worse than others, but yes sometimes it has consumed me. I do have OCD though, so intrusive thoughts and health anxiety about them isn’t a surprise. If you are struggling with your thoughts please speak to your GP

Not all the time but I’ve definitely had my moments. Im normally very chilled as well. What do you do for work? I work in emergency services and while that means im usually used to chaos and am calm in a crisis it also means I’ve seen worst case scenario too many times. I know how easily things can and do go wrong and that has made me a slightly anxious mother. I keep it in check for the most part but I do worry and over react sometimes.

No, I really don't. I mean, I take sensible precautions, I supervise them carefully, I don't give uncut grapes to a toddler, hold their hand firmly when crossing the road etc. I worry a bit when I drop them off and they're crying, I want them to be happy and safe and loved. But I don't go around fearing something random might happen to them today.

Wakes me up at least once a night until I put a hand on his chest and feel him breathing. Hoping it'll get better once he's a bit older (currently 5mo)

Fairly often and mine are over thirty years old. I am good at imagining catastrophes.

(Disclaimer DS is in his 30's, married etc)

Yes, I still have moments of anxiety, it never truly ends. It doesn't take over my life though, e.g i just like to know things like when DS/DIL arrive safely on holiday etc.

Me too!!

Yeah, and mine are in their late 20’s now.