Not Sure Its a Problem, Seems Strange

I don't see why you would be afraid. Nothing will happen to him. My son has had "dreams" like that or has seen spirits and after that he'll be overly loving or sincere or whatever message he 'got" from his dream/experience. Only lasts a few weeks and he moves on to the same kid who will roll his eyes if I ask for a kiss :) Don't sweat it. At least it was a pleasant dream and made him value his family a little more.

He very well could have visited heaven. Get the book Heaven is for Real. Its the story of a 3 year old who did this and told all about what it is like. He knew details of people-saints/dead relatives-that he would never have been able to know at that age. Reading that book has erased any doubt in my mind about the hereafter.

I believe that when I was 14, God spoke to me in a dream. We were not what you would call a "religious" family. We didn't even have a church home, but it was so very vivid and it had an impact on me. When I told my mom, she was so excited and I felt like God had a purpose and a plan for my life. Whatever he experienced was impactful as well, and if it means that your 10 year old gives some affection for a little before the "teen" in him comes out, take it. That is precious.

Hi M., I'm not sure if this is YOUR issue, but "I love you" is a common exchange between teenagers these days. I see it on my daughter's FB friends, in fact she and her BFF say I love you to each other!

Also my middle son who is 16 and his friend (my fourth child) say it to each other like "See ya later".

It is the teen catch phrase of the year I guess. I've gotten used to it, sigh, is NOTHING sacred?!

Otherwise, your guy is in the throws of hormonal changes where they can be overwhemed by emotion for the first time and not understand it.

I don't really see much to be "afraid" of here, but if you are so deeply concerned, why not discuss it with his ped and maybe get a referral to a child psychologist? (I mean, it would be WAY more concerning if he suddenly HATED everyone!

Good Luck!

:)

I remember a time in my childhood when I became aware/concerned about people possibly dying. At that point, I would often tell them that I loved them and kiss them goodbye whenever someone was about to leave. I was an affectionate person, so no one really thought too much about it, but I was very aware of why I was doing it. This was also the time in my childhood when I dealt with a lot of obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Looking back, I would definitely classify my fear of people dying as somewhat OCD. Obsessive-compulsive behavior is an anxiety disorder - basically meaning the more stress/anxiety/worry that one is experiencing, the more propensity there is to have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Although there are some extreme cases, almost all people have a tendency towards obsessive behaviors when experiencing anxiety. As an adult, I am able to recognize the connection between stressful or worrisome thoughts to compulsive behaviors and I just choose not to act on them and try to keep my anxiety down through prayer and having a positive attitude.

I was about that age when I started to freak out about dying or losing someone...Not sure why, just did...I had these weird fears about all sorts of things and the only way to explain it was to say I was afraid I was going to die.....I think it is normal for children to go through this process even when there seems to be no reason. Children get to an age where they understand what death means and it is a scary thought that they have to deal with....They know it is reality and there is nothing they can do about it...It's one of those uncontrollable things in life that throws us all for a loop....ESPECIALLY when we are too young to wrap our minds around it all.....Best advice is to just keep talking with him and encouraging him to work through his feelings.....Eventually he should grow out of it, but if it takes a turn into something really scary or becomes an obsession, you should seek advice from your pediatrician.

I think it's part of the growing up process, they are becoming aware of different things. Their comprehension is really increasing. My son is very sensitive and recently he's been doing something similar as well. He has asked me on several occasions that if he was kidnapped would I try to find him. Do I love him. Would I miss him if he were gone. He's 9.5 so about the same age as your son. I think it's a point where they are trying to feel secure in an insecure world. hth

I don't think you should be overly concerned.
Maybe he did have a dream and visit "heaven". I don't think that's so strange, but I had very vivid dreams as a child and still do. My son is a vivid dreamer just like me. He can explain in every detail what he dreamed about.
I don't see it as weird because I'm used to it.
As far as saying "I love you" a lot, maybe he just really means it.
If he doesn't seem to have been traumatized in any way like the sudden loss of a loved one, just tell him that you love him too when he says it.
My kids always say I love you so it might seem strange to me if they didn't. I mean, it's not a requirement or anything. I wouldn't automatically assume they were upset or angry if they DIDN'T say it.
Maybe your son is just getting the hang of expressing his affectionate emotions. Maybe the dream has nothing to do with it and it's just coincidence.

No offense, I'm just not sure why you and your family are so afraid of this.
He's not suddenly cussing or having violent outbursts.
He's saying he loves you. Because he feels the need to say it.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. There is "I Love You" left and right.

Without any other things that signal a problem, I wouldn't turn it into one.

Best wishes.

Dear M., Has your son suffered any trauma? Many of us are not aware of how near Heaven really is. Even if he was not hurt at all, there is a reason why he saw heaven. We all have one or two angels assigned to us. It may seem scary to you but he is actually blessed. I know his saying I love you 10 times an hour is extreme... tell him, you know and you love him too. I am not an expert but I am sure this is nothing to be afraid of... maybe one day he can tell you more.... Grandma Mary

It could have been the dream, or something he overheard, or something he saw on TV. Maybe something along the lines of "What is the last thing you said to someone before they died?" or "My friend died in a car crash - I wish I had told her I loved her the last time we spoke."

Ask him more about his dream. Not so much "why do you need to say this?" but more, "tell me everything you remember about your dream. Who was there? Did anyone speak to you? What did they say?" Then give him time to answer! Very important to draw him out. If you have a school counselor, a clergy member, or even a physician (if the pediatrician will take the time), it might make sense to have a 3rd party professional ask the questions.

OCD is a possibility but usually it manifests in more than one way - counting steps, turning a light on and off, clearing the throat, and so on.

It could be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, or it could be a phase. Take some notes with dates/times/situation so you can report it effectively to a counselor.

It could also be nothing. Time and vigilance will tell.

Has your son experienced a death of a friend, a family member...maybe a beloved pet lately? This could have something to do with his thoughts being centered on heaven.
Do you all go to church on a regular basis? Possibly a Sunday School lesson or part of a sermon that he was listening to ( as much as a 10 year old listens to sermons...lol) started this thought process.
I would not put too much emphasis on it....especially when talking with your son because this is simply going to engrain the situation in his mind even more firmly. I WOULD do what one of the other Mama's suggested...tell him that when he says "I love you" so often, that it losses its' meaning...and becomes trivial....suggest that he finds other ways to express his feelings...by being kind...smiling....etc.
I would not be too concerned about this...children go through "stages" so frequently....by this time next week it may be something altogether different!!!

There is no reason to be afraid because your child says "I love you" a lot. As for his dream that he visited heaven, it was a dream, nothing more. It means no more than the dream I had last night about giving a puppy CPR or the dream I had last week about roller skating on the interstate with shoe boxes for skates.

Whatever happened to him, it seems more positive than negative. Try to talk to him some more, to understand what happened. But as long as he isn't hurting himself or others, I would embrace it. It probably won't last long.

I agree with the other poster that he may have visited heaven. When a person visits heaven, it does change them. The angels may have told your son to appreciate your "I love yous" more and to stop rolling his eyes and taking it for granted. It doesn't mean anyone's going to die, so you can rest at ease. You can tell him and show him that you really appreciate his love for you and his siblings, so he can keep the "I love you" sessions to once every morning or night. You need to be aware, that he may have more OBEs or contact with the angels, because he feels comfortable with them. God and the angles can only speak to us when our lines are open and we listen, which is why they often come in a dream. A dream of Heaven and actually going there are very different and hard to explain. The best way I can put it is that when you go there, you know and everything is very bright and warm. Even your tummy has a slight tickle of delight. The angles talk very softly. You don't have to have a near death experience to go there either. Sometimes it happens when you are very sad, because they will take you there if they feel you the experience. I doubt that he will be visiting Heaven again, but I wouldn't rule it out either. He will more likely see or hear them in and out of the dream state, since they've already broke the barriers with him. It really is a blessing.

I remember my younger brother going through a phase like that, probably around the same age. He got very anxious whenever any of us needed to leave the house as if he was afraid something would happen. It didn't last too long, just reassure your son you love him, I'm sure it's just a phase. From the other posts, it sounds as though it's somewhat common for that age.

Don't be afraid. It sounds pretty good to me. Something happened. Enjoy it while it lasts. Dont squelch it. It had to come from above and is an eye opener for your entire family. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Oops, it just gave me some God bumps :)

I feel you! How long ago did he have this dream? Perhaps it was something that came to him so he could embrace his family better. Pray about it, dont worry (which I know is easier said then done) Im afraid you are a bit like me with things like this, so please light a candle and pray for ease.

Mmmm, see how long it lasts, it sounds like a fixation that he's having. See if he tell you more about how it all started in his head, there might be a reason or not. I not, then, I'd just monitor it and talk to a specialist.

The Lord may have marked your son for something. :) Be happy and Praise God! I would not discount the dream but would consider it a religious experience. Perhaps it was a vision? Encourage him to talk about the dream and to write it out so he will have it as a future reference.
You should explain to your son that while you and the rest of the family enjoy hearing how much he loves you all, he is saying it to much. Tell him when I love you is said over and over it loses it's value. Also explain to him that it is kind of worrisome to the family that he says it so often. Help him set limits on how many times per day he will say it to each person.
If the behavior continues for more than 6 months I would take him to see a Christian counselor.

I think you should ask your son.

I would take him to a councilor. Maybe talk to the school social worker first tell them whats going on and get him in to see them. then if needed get him on to someone outside school. Yes its weird and while its not unusual for a teenager to say that as another poster said it is unusual for them to say it over and over and over to everyone they see. Is anything going on with him that is unusual other than that? has he had problems with anyone? has he said anything else unusual? I would not let this slide. I would take him to someone for some counseling.

Sounds pretty great! Is he still sleeping regularly, eating, doing his school work? If so, be thankful!