Was I wrong to react this way?

Question

My son is visiting my sister in New Jersey (we live in Kentucky) for the next 10 days. He's been calling me every morning and every night since he's been there. Yesterday morning I didn't get a call from him and figured that he still sleeping since they got back a little late from a fireworks display at the beach.

I called my sister and left a message to have him call me when he woke up. At 1:00 P.M. I still hadn't heard from my son or my sister. I was starting to worry so I left another message and sent her a text message on my cell phone telling her to call me ASAP because I was worried and wanted to make sure he was alright.

She finally called me back at 3:00 P.M. to tell me they were at the beach and he didn't call me in the morning because he didn't want to.

At that point I got upset and told my sister that I didn't care if he didn't want to call home, he should have. I was worried sick that something happened to him. She told me I was over reacting and that he was fine he just didn't want to call home. I told her that she was the adult not him, she was in charge not him, and that she should have at least made him call home to say he was alright.

I trust my sister very much with my kids, but to be told I was over reacting upset me greatly. Did I over react?

Answer 1

I don't think you over reacted. Your son is only 8 and it's his first time away from home. Even if he didn't want to call home, your sister should have been the adult and called you herself to let you know he was at the beach and didn't want to call home because he wanted to play. It sounds like you are more upset that she's letting him call the shots while he's with her and not the other way around. I know he's far away, but I'm sure you wouldn't have let him go if you didn't trust your sister. Just talk to her and tell her that even if he doesn't want to call home, she should call you and let you know he's alright. You're a mom, it's your job to worry, especially when your child is 3 states away from home.

Answer 2

i don't think you overreacted at all. I'm a worrier too and by that point awful scenarios would have been running through my head.What if they got into a car wreck or whatever? You can't help it, it just happens. I think if your son didn't want to call, your sister could have at least sent you a text telling you they were busy but things were going fine especially after you called more than once. or she could have called and told you how things were going and what their plans for the day were. He is your child and you have the right to know what is going on and if he is ok or not and if your sister has a problem with that then guess he won't be visiting her alone anymore.

Answer 3

So you didn't hear from them for a few hours and you freaked out? Chill pillllllll ASAP.

Answer 4

You definitely overreacted.  Take it easy.  He doesn't have to call you every day.  You have to realize that if something happened to him that your sister would have called you.  You know that he is in good hands or else you wouldn't let him stay with your sister.  He is on vacation.  Let him enjoy himself.  I am sure you miss him very much but he will be home before you know it.

Answer 5

youre probably really upset becuase he didnt want to call. i mean i know alot of kids who always freak out at the thought of always calling home constantly. but your sister should have reminded herself that you are a mother and that your son is far away out of your reach, so she should give you calls and keep you updated at least every 4 hours.