I’m worried my son is confiding in his girlfriend’s mum
DEAR DEIDRE: I can’t help but worry that my eldest son has confided in his girlfriend’s mum about his anxiety.
I’m 42, my husband is 44 and we have two boys aged 17 and 15.
My son told me and his dad about his anxiety and we have arranged for him to see a counsellor.
I’d hoped that our help would be enough.
He gets on well with his girlfriend’s mum. He sees her a lot now he’s dating her daughter.
I don’t like second guessing what she knows and I’m wondering what she must think of us.
I know I shouldn’t care if she thinks my son has problems, but I do.
She has one daughter who is perfect in every way.
It should be a private matter between myself, my husband and my younger son.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Teenagers often find it hard to talk to parents.
So it’s really encouraging that he has shared his concerns with you.
If your son has spoken to his girlfriend’s mum as well, that has to be a positive step.
It’s when we bottle up emotions that the problems really emerge.
His anxiety isn’t a reflection on your abilities as his mum, so try to encourage him to keep the discourse going with anyone he can trust.
There may be occasions when he may not want to worry you and might try to protect you.
Make sure he knows you’re always available to listen to him. My pack Living With Anxiety will help him.