Anxiety about my kids' future is overwhelming sometimes

1w ago1 min read

I find myself lying awake at night worrying about stuff that hasn't even happened yet. Will they be okay in school? What if they get bullied? What if something happens to them? It's gotten worse since the pandemic and I know my kids can probably sense that I'm anxious all the time. Has anyone dealt with this? I'm thinking about talking to someone but part of me feels like I should just be able to handle this on my own.

7 comments151 views

Comments(7)

DDavid M.Regular6d ago

Real talk - that anxiety is coming from a place of love but it's robbing you of sleep and present moments. Have you talked to someone about it? Like a therapist? That stuff can spiral if you don't address it.

JJasonRegular1w ago

I used to be like this until my therapist pointed out I was basically trading my mental health to worry about situations that might never happen. Meditation helped. Also knowing that my kids actually need me present more than they need me perfect.

AAntonioRegular1w ago

Four boys here and I still get those nights where my brain won't shut up about what could go wrong. The best thing I figured out is that worrying doesn't change the outcome - but actually talking to someone about it does help. Consider reaching out to a friend or counselor if it's really keeping you up.

DDerekNew Dad1w ago

Man, I feel you on this one. Three kids means three different sets of worries for me, but what I've learned is that most of those 3am fears never actually happen. Your kids are going to be okay because you care this much.

CCarlosNew Dad1w ago

I get this so much. The late night worry spiral is real, especially when you're new to this. But here's the thing - you're already a good dad just by caring this much. Try to catch yourself when the spiral starts and remind yourself they've got you in their corner.

RRick M.Regular1w ago

The fact that you care this much means they're already set up to be okay. Kids are resilient and they learn how to handle things by watching us handle them. You're doing better than you think.

LLucas M.Regular1w ago

I get this so much. I lie awake thinking about stuff my kids will face in 10 years that I can't even control. The trick is reminding yourself that you're raising them to handle whatever comes. That's literally all you can do.