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I'm worried about my son

Q My 45-year-old son has just had his third child and bought a new house. They did need something bigger, but they now have a huge mortgage. He was in a fixed-term role at work and was sure it would be continued. But then the company lost a bid and I think it's possible he could be at risk of redundancy. I'm worried sick about this. I've tried to talk to him but he dismisses me, saying it will be fine and that he'd rather I didn't raise it. Isn't it my role to help him through times like this? Name and address withheld

A The short answer is no - he's 45! Of course, be concerned about him, as all parents would be. But that doesn't mean you have to share the concern with him. He's asked you not to talk about it and, as a caring mother, I'm sure you want to do what's best for him. He knows the situation and is probably as anxious as you - very few people go through life without some periods of particular worry or stress. But he needs to be free to manage that stress without also worrying about his mother's concerns.

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