6 YO Daughter Is Quite Emotional

Updated on September 11, 2011
M.R. asks from Chicago, IL
8 answers

So my daughter just turned 6 and she seems to be so emotional. She can't get something to work right and she is crying. She gets frustrated & mad very easily, tears come very easily. In fact, she just walked in crying because she used the last of her drawing paper.

Are your girls this age similar? I'm a pretty emotionally steady person, so I don't know if I'm more sensitive to her mood swings or if this is normal for a girl her age. She has a doctors appointment next week, and I'll be talking to him about it then, but wanted to see if any others experience this. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much Moms! Very reassuring to know this is normal and your suggestions on how to cope with it are priceless. Much appreciated!

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C.B.

answers from Sacramento on

Oh so normal, sad to say. I would ignore the tears and focus on helping her through the frustration that got her there. Ran out of drawing paper? What are some things we can use instead? You don't need to 'fix' the frustration for her, you want her to find her own solution so next time it happens, she will fix it herself.

For what it's worth, it's just a 'phase' and soon it will be replaced by a new and different 'phase'.

2 moms found this helpful

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G.T.

answers from Redding on

I think it's normal and at the same time it means she needs you to teach her how to handle it. Kids watch us like hawks. Next time something doesnt go right with you, remember your reaction is being studied ;)
If you burn the toast, just say "uh oh, I sure messed that up, guess I better try again"....

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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Short answer... YES. I have four girls (one of which is 6 right now) and emotions, drama, over-reacting runs high in this house. Even though it seems like a never-ending battle, I still try to lead by example and continually remind and show them how to compose themselves, while trying my darnest to be understanding at some times. When things get REALLY out of control- I try not to pay any mind and wait til they calm down before I try talking to them. That's girls for ya!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

normal, & all parents want it to end....quicker than it usually does!

Both of my sons...& my nephews.....went thru this. Drives me nuts!

My rule of thumb is: "please sit here. When you stop crying, we will discuss what is bothering you." I either stay somewhere close by - working on chores.... or I've even been known to sit & read! I never, ever coddle the child during this crying jag....I truly believe it prolongs the event & doesn't teach coping skills. & I want to be clear: I am not cold, I simply calmly support the child until the crying is over & we can (again) calmly discuss the event.

When I see a child's reactions escalating, I have no qualms about saying, "calm down"..... or "relax"....or even "please take a break, & then we'll talk about what is happening". This helps the child recognize & identify what is triggering the crying event....& it teaches wonderful life skills! Hope this helps.....

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Dallas on

I think this is a normal phase. My daughter was very emotional as well. She would go from sweet to back talking, or laughing to crying in a moment. Maybe there is some change or something that is stressing her out. I don't know if she has started school yet, but sometimes getting used to a new schedule can do it. I asked the school counselor to talk with her, and it was eventually worked out. Now she is 11 and has raging hormones! :)

A.M.

answers from Kansas City on

UH YES! Syd gets her feelings hurt if the tooth paste is messed up! I have talked to some of my M. friends all with girls 6-7...and we all have the crying, frusteration, and the attitude!

She's normal...

I just thougth this started around 6-7th grade not 6-7 years!

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, my 6 YO daughter is the same way! It gets better and then gets worse at times of transition. Right after her 6th b-day she was very emotional, and during the first few weeks of school this year she has had a few complete meltdowns. I just try to acknowledge her feelings and offer a few suggestions she can try to solve whatever the problem is.

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A.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Mirror her emotions. "It's sad when you don't have any drawing paper, isn't it." Hug.

That will dry her tears sooner than anything else. And it won't turn her into a crybaby, don't worry.

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