DD8 worrying about death

[tchrrx]

For some reason my DD had nightmares about my dying last night. Since then she has been extremely clingy & has cried. She was supposed to go stay a couple of nights with my parents before our trip (she normally begs to stay a week with them & loves it), but she's now crying b/c she doesn't want to leave me. Is this a normal stage kids go through or what?

We've been together non-stop basically since school got out 3 weeks ago. Plus, I teach in her building, so we're never that far apart. I'm not the type of mom who normally clings to my kid, but this is kind of flipping me out. We've decided that she'll stay one night with g-parents & then DH & I will stay the 2nd night with them also.

Honestly, I always flip out before vacations about someone getting seriously hurt or dying. However, I keep these feelings to myself and just pray my through them. This time I'm calm, but DD is stressing out. Any hints or tips?

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I think all kids go through that at some point. I can remember worrying when I was a child about death.

Just constantly reassure your DD that you love her and are thinking about her when you are not physically with her. If you are religious then perhaps have a conversation with her about what you believe happens when someone dies.

Has something else happened recently that could have triggered all this - something she saw on TV or something that happened at school or to a friend?

 

[MightyMom]

My best friends son has been worried about death lately too. He is a very strong minded, independent child...... but has been so worried that he will die..... or his parents will die. He's even ended up in his parents bed for the last several weeks.

I don't have any advice really.... except to say that it sounds pretty normal.

 

[RMulieri]

It is definitely a normal stage for a child.I remember my little brother(he is 30 now) fliiping out for at least a week because he was afraid of my Mom dying( he had had a nightmare).Just sit down and talk to her,it will pass.

 

[annie1995]

I agree, I think its totally normal. I remember going through it as a kid too. My oldest DS went through it also. Just talk with her and it will definately pass. GL!