Am I damaging my kids?

[FabIsNotFab]

I am having a really difficult time atm. Today has been really really hard and I have cried a lot. I shouted at DS1 and then broke down in front of him. He keeps asking me what is wrong and has left a message for Daddy saying I am upset and want him to come home.

I so rarely cry in front of the kids, maybe two or three times in all his 8 years.

I just feel so guilty. He is being so loving and I need a kick up the arse.

I'd say that if thats the way he is reacting/behaving in that situation, then you are doing a brilliant job!

You are not right in me doing a brilliant job but thank you for the support. Sooooo needed.

Not sure whats going on in your life atm that is making you feel down, but I hope that it is something you feel you can get on top of.

I dont think there is anything wrong with crying in front of your kids. Its good for them to see that parents have emotions too! At 8, maybe you could explain that you are feeling very sad and could do with 5 minutes to yourself sometimes, just to think and maybe have a cup of tea! (Preferably before it gets to the point where you shout, but that wont always be possible!)

oh fab, seriously, he sounds like a lovely lovely boy......and that is all down to you!

I agree that seeing parents upset is good for kids, it can teach them empathy, compassion and understanding.

And seeing you going from upset to upbeat and positive - which you will, honestly!! - can only be good for him, teach him that sometimes, life is hard, and makes us sad, but that we always pull through it

Hope you're ok

Are you back on the ADs FAB?

Thank you.

The answer to your question imo is yes, seeing your parents fall apart is potentially extremely upsetting for the children.

I think you need to do whatever's necessary to get a grip on this situation.

It is not the end of the world to see your parents as fragile human beings who have extremes of emotions at times.

Talk to your ds about it at some other time to ensure he doesn't feel responsible for you and that he's not worried/frightened.

mumblechum.......jus what fab wanted to hear....not!

But Cordon, she's been drip feeding this stuff all over MN for a while now, and doesn't seem to be taking any of the sensible advice people are posting.

hmmm, maybe so, but we can still be supportive can't we?

mumblechum - sometimes I just want to think out loud with one specific thing without going into a huge story. That okay with you? You don't have to read what I post or answer it.

It is irrelevant why I was crying. I just wanted to know if it was causing a problem with my children.