Can children be too protective of you?

[HowManyTimesDS]

(I posted this in parenting but no responses.)

Mine seem to be. Very loving and cuddly. All the time. Even when we've had a row. They are always saying nice things to me - last night DS#1 was making avatars on his X-box for all of us and when he was making mine I kept telling him to make mine fatter to be like me (joke) and both DS#1 and DD were aghast - 'but mummy you are *thin"! . And they ask how my day went and are always wanting me to do sit down and rest.

Now all that is lovely and I soak up all the cuddles and love that is available of course But I do wonder if it's normal for them to be so loving and concerned for me. Surely a 13yr old boy and a 10yr old girl should be more self-centred than that? Isn't that more usual?

I have suffered from depression and at one point I told them. I reckoned it was better to let them know that I had been 'ill' and was getting better so that they knew things were under control and that there was some rational reason for mummy being such a mad explosive horrible human being for a while. Now I am thinking they are worried about me and that if they aren't nice I might revert. Is that likely?

How lovely to have such great kids! It might well be that they are worried about you. Are you a lone parent? I am and when ex and I split my kids who were 7 and 9 became really helpful. I remember one day just after we had told the kids, my eldest getting out of the car and to meet me coming out of a shop and carrying my bags. My kids have become much more helpful and loving, although they are still definately kids, and have their moments. I would consider yourself lucky, but maybe when the right moment comes talk to them about how you are feeling much better and are pleased that you have such wonderful children.

elasta - thanks. No I'm not a lone parent. But I suppose what with one thing and another DH and I don't spend all that much time together with the DC. But he is definitely there! And yes I've had my bags carried for me too.

I think a talk is in order. I love being appreciated but I want them to be kids.

dont make a big thing of it.

jsut relax and enjoy it!

tell them every day if you like - as other poster said - "how you are feeling much better and are pleased that you have such wonderful children"

but dont tell them they have to do anything differently . and dont tell them to stop doing this.

dont say to them "i want you to be ....." it puts demands on them and makes it about you. even if you asking them to be "kids".

why not just suggest you do something kid-like together that they want to do at the weekend ?

Thanks cestlavie - I certainly don't intend to make a thing of it. Just wondered if I had made them like this and if it mattered.

It just sounds like you have really lovely children!!

Think you may be worrying about a non-issue?

I don't think it matters at all- they sound caring and sensitive..you should definately be proud

Thanks jem.