Disturbing dreams

[oxbridge]

I am a female, close to 40 years old, and I am sometimes troubled by erotic dreams involving children. This does not happen often, but when it does I am, of course, very disturbed by it and wonder if there is something seriously wrong with me.

I have brought this up with a therapist (I'm not currently in therapy) and she didn't seem to think there was much cause for concern, but each time I have one of these dreams I revert to being anxious about it.

I am single and don't have children of my own; in fact, these dreams have often made me anxious around kids and I've questioned my fitness for being a parent if I should ever have children.

The word "pedophile" is of course a scary one for me. I don't think about kids sexually in any way, but for some reason these thought are invading my sleep and I'm just looking for some answers.

[SirJoseph]

Hello There, Welcome. :)

I'm new here to and I'm sure there are others who will be able to provide better explanation but I've come to learn that dreams are odd experiences. Just because you have experienced such dreams doesn't make you a bad person or a bad parent.

I'm not totally sure if this relates in anyway, but my cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby girl some months back and for some concerning reason I have dreamt that while holding the baby she would just slip from my arms and land on the floor. I have dreamt this three times now and it is very unpleasant, so unpleasant that I have chosen never to hold her even when sitting.

I'm not sure if that is the same type of feeling, and I'm no therapist that's for sure. But I believe such dreams are quite common and probably nothing to worry about, just as long as such dreams are not acted upon.

Like I said, I'm sure a more experienced user will be able to help you more.:) Again Welcome.

[kaudio]

Welcome to the community, oxbridge. I agree with Joseph that dreams do not define the dreamer. As you mention, you do not have a sexual interest in children. There is little to fear that by having such dreams you are somehow unfit to be a parent. However, I can appreciate how these dreams trouble you. I too have had a few troubling dreams that affected my decisions during the day. But, perhaps with time, you will be able to relax and not let such dreams worry you too much.