Anyone else get weird anxiety about their kids getting hurt? | DadHQ

Anyone else get weird anxiety about their kids getting hurt?

3w ago1 min read

I'm not sure if this is normal dad stuff or if I need to talk to someone about it. Like every time my 4 year old goes to the playground I'm imagining all these worst case scenarios. He trips on the stairs and I'm already picturing the ER visit. I know logically kids are resilient but my brain just won't stop. My wife says I'm being overprotective but I think there's something deeper going on. Anyone dealt with this?

7 comments117 views

Comments(7)

BBrad M.Regular3w ago

This isn't weird at all. I think about my kids getting hurt constantly. Like I'll be at work thinking about worst case scenarios. Talked to my therapist about it and turns out it's super common in dads.

BBrandonNew Dad3w ago

I've got three kids and yeah, that anxiety hits different with each one. The fact that you're wondering about it probably means you should talk to someone, just to get some perspective and tools to manage it better.

IIsaac T.Regular3w ago

Dude, as a new dad I'm already paranoid about everything so this resonates with me. I think the playground fears are normal parent stuff, but if it's keeping you up at night or affecting your mood, might be worth chatting with someone about it.

CChris M.New Dad3w ago

That's totally normal and definitely not just you. I deal with the same stuff every time my son goes anywhere, but talking to someone really helped me separate realistic safety from the anxiety spiraling. Worth exploring.

DDanielExperienced3w ago

The fact that you're worried about it suggests you're probably not overdoing the protective stuff. The real issue is when anxiety starts affecting how you parent. If it's just background worry, that's pretty standard dad territory.

CCarlosRegular3w ago

I had this bad when my first was born. Every little thing felt dangerous. Some of it calmed down as I realized kids are tougher than we think, but honestly I still get the anxiety hits. You're normal.

KKevinNew Dad3w ago

Yeah man that's not just you. I still check on my kids when they're sleeping sometimes. But if it's really impacting your daily life, talking to someone is never a bad call.