For the past two weeks my son, who's seven, has been having separation anxiety. The worst part of it all is that he has fear of something happening to me while he is at school. Two weeks ago I didn't have time to make him lunch, so I told him I would bring it later in the day. I got there a little late, and he was in tears. His teacher said he was worried that I might have gotten into an accident. Lately each morning when I take him to school, he complains about his stomach hurting. This is really making me not be able to work. How can I take away his fear that something is going to happen to me?
--Angela
A: Dear Angela,
First of all, don't take your son's recent fears personally. Parents are only human, and we all make mistakes-like missing a carpool or a pick-up time, or forgetting to make a lunch.
What you can do is give him constant reassurance that you are always there for him. Let him know that you are always together, even when you are at work and he is at school and that you hold him in your heart. He can touch his heart and feel your love there, or he can pretend you are a "miniature mom" tucked always in his pocket.
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The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am God is and all is well
--Unity
Mimi