Worried about my boy :(

[sherrardk]

Boy #2 is 8 years old and has become very clingy and overly-loving. When I take him to school he sticks close by my side (I now stand on the playground with the things as they are in reception, I used to send him and his sister in and wait outside). A couple of days he has said he has a bad tummy and his eyes well up with tears and I end up taking him back home with me (happened again today). We have had a big chat with him and he says he gets upset because he thinks I am going to go away (I don't go anywhere, I am always here at the end of the school day even if my husband collects them all from school). There are no arguments or upsets between myself and my husband. I don't know what else to do to put his mind at rest that I am going nowhere. Any suggestions gratefully received.

[B00]

Have you spoken to his teacher? Is he being bullied at school?

[sherrardk]

Spoken to his teacher and to my boy, everything is fine at school. The oh works really hard (too hard for an 8 year old). He is clingy at home too, I can't go past him without him running for a hug and a kiss.

[ummmm]

Is it possible he's being picked on?

[sherrardk]

The boy ^ (not the oh)

[EcclesCake]

My first thought is the same as Boo's, talk to his teacher to see how he is in class and find out if there is any bullying.

Might he have seen a TV programme or seen a newspaper article about a Mum 'going away'?

[cazzz1975]

might he have watched something or overheard a conversation and misconstrued it?

[andy-hughes]

This may be the result of something he has heard or overheard at school.

Children this age have very active imaginations, and see things differently than they actually are.

make sure you give him lots of physical affection, especially at night time, tuck him in and reassure him that you and all his family are there, and not going anywhere.

Do have a word with his class teacher - they are always very experienced, and will keep an eye on him and flag any concerns to you.

This is probably a short phase, and he will grow out of it, but try and ensure there is nothing untoward at school by asking about his day, friends, anyone he doesn't get on with, all in gentle conversation mixed in with other chat.

If it continues, have a word with the head teacher and raise your concerns. they are usually keen to help.

[ummmm]

It might just be a phase.

My son used to follow me everywhere. I didn't get kisses and cuddles though :-(

[andy-hughes]

All other answers posted as i was typing - looks like we all agree though.

[mallyh]

has someone in the school lost a parent or grandparent

[sherrardk]

Hi all, asked him about TV programmes and if any of the mums in his class have gone recently - big fat no. He has always been a loving boy but now it is upsetting him (he is a happy, laughing, daft boy when he is not clinging to me, popular in class because he is a joker but is kind and helpful (I'm not over egging the pudding, he is a lovely boy, no trouble at all)).

[friedgreentomato]

Is it possible he is playing you?

[ummmm]

He might not have even realised he's overheard something.

[B00]

Can't help much, other than to say the taking home again needs to stop ASAP, before you get into trouble with the school over it.

Good luck x

[sherrardk]

I don't think he is maliciously playing me but his bad tummy could be a result of getting his knickers in a twist. He is clingy at weekends, evenings and during the recent half term. I've told him he can't have any more time off unless he is super-duper ill and he understands that, he just can't seem to stop himself getting upset even though he agreed that he was being a bit daft.

[cazzz1975]

So ruling out problems at home and school

It could be a phase, it may have been brought on by something he heard on the news or general chat and stories at school. My advice would be to monitor him but carry on as normal, it will either get better or worse, at least if it gets worse you will have more idea's of what its about.

[jan01]

hows he doing with his friends??? could he have fallen out with one special one & feel underconfident?? ....
or being picked on....

[cazzz1975]

Are you sure he isnt seeking to avoid school? Have there been any changes in staff or routine that may have unsettled him?

[friedgreentomato]

I used o play my parents something rotten, talc on my tongue, making myself sick etc etc.

ITs worth a consideration

[ummmm]

With my kids I always worked on the principle that if they were that sick they'd be sent home. They were never sent home!