My Super-sensitive daughter...HELP!

I have two 9 yr old girls and this is very normal for both of them. They are both very different and handle it differently but they are VERY sensitive and we just talk about the situation and things get better. I think the only thing that is going to help my husband and I is patience.

I also was a Very sensitive girl and still am sensitive which by the way my bday is 8/18 as well, What a GEAT Day. Leos are AWESOME,lol..

The best thing to do is communicate with her and show her to express her feelings and never make her feel that she is making a big deal out of nothing. Eventually she will get stronger. It takes time.

Good Luck and I hope this helps.

Hello, my name is B. and I know where you are coming from. Our daughter is the same age and sometimes has some of the same issues. We have found that our daughter is suffering from a form of generalized anxiety and she has been greatly helped by being on zoloft. But before I suggest you run out and try and get her a perscription for this I would suggest that you make her an appointment with a well known Psychiatrist and let them evlauate her. She may also be experiencing higher levels of stress than normal because school is starting and she may be worried about the TASK test. I know that is all my daughter is talking about. But our son has just started school and he is having night mares and he is having a real difficult time with the weather and he does have the same dx of anxiety. If you would like to know the name of our doctor just let me know and I will give it to you with her number.

B.

You might also try giving her an "outlet" for her emotions, such as a journal or art supplies. Most community centers have fairly inexpensive classes on painting or writing poetry. Good luck. I have two young girls and I am not looking forward to this!

Hi C.,
I would treat it as any other hormonal problem. Try to read up on what vitamins she could take. Look into female herbal stuff - your OB GYN should be able to help. John Worth Remedy is soothing and suitable even for kids. By Valerian tea at Whole Foods ... it is a little smelly I know but boy it makes difference in the evenings. I go to a Chiropractor in Plano... her name is Laura Schwaluk and she is great. She always has a good advice and was able to pin point what body needs. I believe that biochemical imbalance has a powerful impact on our emotions. good luck!

N.

I have an almost 10 year old and she is the same way off and on. She is the ultimate tween as well, so get ready. Not sure if your pedi has discussed puberty and her cycle with you yet. My duaghter had to start wearing the "sport bra" type of little girls bras late in the seconda grade. He doctor said we would probably hit the dreaded zone somewhere and 5-6 grade. She did state that she would be emotional, etc. up to then and yes it can be for a few years leading up to it. Their bodies are going through a lot of changes to get ready.

As we all know emotions can run high as we change in life, however, my question is.....are those tears for her or you? Is there something she is in fear of that she is not sharing. Please seek medical attention and express your concerns with her doctor before the doctor sees her. You want to ensure nothing has happened that she is hiding in fear. Hopefully it is just hormones, I personally begin my period at the age of 10. Hopefully its just normal hormones. Also have you asked the teacher has anything happened in class this week that could have brought this on. Good luck and god bless

Have you considered that she may start her period early? Some as early as 10. Make sure that is not a scare and she knows if it happens it is normal. Just a thought. My granddaughter I am raising turns 10 9-5 G. W

I was thinking as I read your post -- about not remembering the mood swings when you were this age...I don't know about you, but there are lots of times when I get cranky from PMS, or when I was pregnant, and had no idea til after the fact (and usually not til someone pointed it out to me). You might just not be remembering it! :-)

It has to be the age. Believe it or not, my son has been emotional lately, so it's not just the girls. It's a change in life phase, or the openings of...isn't it great that she feels so comfortable as to share those things with you?

One thing we've started to do with my son is to have him write down things he's worried about, or are stressing him out. WIth him, he's usually more focused on if he's done something wrong, but you could do the same with your daughter for what's making her weepy. And then we have him put a check by what is really worth worrying about, and what needs to be let go. This (we hope) will help him identify what is a valid worry, and what is just self-inflicted and unnecessary anguish. And then once we go over the list together and talk about the important stuff, we let him know that it's time to let go of everything else.

He's really responding to it, and maybe something similar could help your daughter recognize what is healthy to fret over, and what is not. Good luck!

I think everyone has given such wonderful advice! My personal experience was that sometime around my tween/early teen years, my thyroid began to get out of whack. I've always been very sensitive also. Often, when the dr. has had to adjust my thyroid dosage, I find myself feeling less nervous/anxious/easily upset. Just something to keep in the back of your mind if you decide to talk with a doctor.

C.,
My 9 year old girl was the same way. However, if your daughter's is to the extremem you might want to talk to her Pedi. Chances are it is that she becoming a "tween" but at the same time you might want to make sure she is not going into puberty too early. I doubt it but it does happen. Hopefully things will get better soon. Good luck.
M.

she is old enough that you can talk to her & ask her if she feels that she is overwhelmed by her emotions, or if she feels that talking to you/dad helps. if she feels better after talking to you then she is prolly fine, but if she is still feeling overwhelmed even after talking then i would talk to your dr. either way even if you consult with your doc. it couldnt hurt. also if you are friends with any moms with girls at her school ask them what they are experiencing & that can also help you judge whether this is hormonal/age changes or is something else is going on.

Believe me mom, this is so normal and wonderful that she'll talk to you about what's bothering her. Look for other changes in her body and don't be alarmed about her tears. Now, you do need to not make a big deal out of her feelings. Just listen closely, give her a simple opinion and give her big hugs. Help her realize her life doesn't need to be ruled by her emotions. This might be a good time to teach her more about prayer, too. It would be so helpful to begin praying with her about her concerns...again, simple prayers that will show her she has a heavenly father who will listen to everything.

I've raised two daughters who are now 38 and 35, and now have a 10 year old granddaughter. My daughter's experiences with her own daughter's hormonal changes bring back so many memories. Also, you might notice and chart when you notice her being more emotional. You may find it will move with your own cycle. That happens when females live in the same home...their cycles will come at the same time of month, which can be helpful....but poor, poor dad!!

http://www.missbrenda.com

Just from the action you are taking writing for advise, you should seek out a professional. Trust your instincts. Even "normal" hormonal changes can require attention sometimes. At least you will have peace of mind after a consultation and if something is wrong, you will be thankful you acted.
Good luck with this!
C. S.

Hi there. You did not elaborate much on wheather or not there have been any changes in the house that she may be having a hard time adjusting to. I can offer 3 opinions on this situation...
1. She may be seeking attention. She may embelish these fears, because she has realized that you will stop what you are doing to calm her. As you mentioned she rationally knows that the fears are unfounded, but they are validated, and she is rewarded for them. My daughter does the same thing on occasion, and usually a little bit of undevided cuddles, hugs and one on one will eliminate the behavior for a while until she needs it again. She really knows how to play me!
2. It's not unusual for a child this age to begin puberty. I know it's hard to imagine, but she may have hormones going out of whack, even at such a young age. It's becomming more common for little girls to get their periods sooner than before. Some research on-line can give you more insight on this. I would even suggest a trip to her pediatrician, to help determine if this is the case.
3. Finally, you mentioned that you were somewhat super-sensitive yourself, and it would not be far fetched to think that this might be a learned behavior.
Either way, you might just want to schedule a visit with her pediatrician to rule out any hormonal or chemical imbalance. And good luck.. the teenage years are just around the corner!!