My oldest daughter has some serious moods swings, and attitude is starting to become a problem! She acts like a teenager already, and I just am not sure if its time to start treating her like one. She will cry at the drop of a hat, and screams at my hubby and I when we ask her to do her chores. This is very unusual for her, up til about 2 months ago she was sweet and co-operative with us. I have asked her, and her teachers if something is going on at school or anywhere else with no results. Could this just be hormones already? She has also just started experiencing upper abdominal cramping which leads to acid reflux? She doesn't act like she is in pain though, and she has been trying to get out of her chores alot so we just don't know what to think. Any advice would be great! Thanks~
it sounds like your daughter's entering puberty, fasten your seatbelt and hang on tight it sounds like it's gonna be a bumpy ride...lol. i raised 5 my heart is with you. ps the abdominal pains could be the first signs of menstruation...? ask her dr.
Hi T.,
Has your daughter started her menstrual cycle yet? If not, it sounds as if she will soon. The symptoms you are describing sound like PMS to me. Have you spoken with her pediatrician yet? You may want to speak with her doctor to see if he/she agrees about starting her period soon.
I'd stay on her about her chores, but as far as the attitude is concerned, it sounds like hormones. I was 9 when I started going through this and did similar things, like refuse to clean my room, do my homework or study. I found myself on restriction for my attitude quite frequently. If it is hormonal, you'll have to teach her how to deal with them rather than them dealing with her. Best of luck to you!
Welcome to the pubescent years. May God be with you...
My 9 year old is the same way. It can be very frustrating and just getting her ready for school each day is like WWIII. I did start my period at age 10 and I think that is what is going on with my daughter and possibly yours. I have found that if I have her do chores or get ready in the morning first before eating or watching TV (the things she enjoys) she will usually do it quicker. It reminds me of my brother when we were kids, my mother told him to brush his teeth, and he responded with "Why do I have to do everything around here?" Good luck and be patient. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
It is definately possible that it is hormones. Also, she may be starting her period....the upper abdominal pain, could actually be a sign that she is getting ready to start? I believe I started my period shortly after I turned 11, and I have heard of girls starting as early as 9! I would definately sit down with her and talk, explain to her that yes, her body is changing and it will be hard. Ask her if she thinks she is acting a little out of hand, and tell her that even though she is changing, with those changes also comes more responsibilities and privilidges. The best thing is to be there for her, let her ask questions, try to come to an understanding about what behavior is acceptable and what is not, and if needed see if there is another lady she could talk with as well. It may be hard for you as her mother to let her talk with someone else, but it may also make it a lot easier for her....
Trust your instincts and hang in there!
Hi T.,
It could be hormones. She's about the right age. You might try sitting down and explaining that although her body is changing and she's growing up, some things are still not acceptable. I have a friend whose daughter went through this a few years ago. They decided to wait it out. Since she figured out how to push her parent's buttons to get her own way, she's gotten completely out of control and is causing trouble in their marriage. If she's old enough to act that way, she's old enough to understand whats going on and that she still has to treat you with respect, do her school work and do her chores.
Good luck!!
