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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Daughter w/ PMS
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Daughter w/ PMS
by Loopi, Dec 03, 2003 12:00AM
My daughter is 3 going to be 4 in May. She's also premature by 6 weeks. I have been screaming at her for the past two days now. I was wondering to take her in to get her blood checked, but she doesn't have the typical Diabetes symptoms. Well, she seems to be on PMS CONSTANTLY! Very major mood swings. Nothing pleases her. She's quick with her temper. Does not sleep in her bed at night which makes her still nap during the day. She's awful upon waking up, she's awful when she's hungry. I mean Un-manageable!!! After she eats, she does a 90* turn around which made me consider sugar. I think she's just spoiled. She's only 14 months apart from "big brother" and they feed off each other like you wouldn't beleive. THey are finally separated because of school, etc... She cries and whines at the drop of a hat. I think she's smart enough when we tell her to quit whining and tell us what's wrong, she just gets more aggrevated and even more unbearable! Is this typical of girls and is this what I have to look foward to? She's 45 pounds and constantly wants picking up. When we refuse, boy, watch out! She likes dressing by herself, otherwise independent. HELP!!!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Dec 04, 2003 12:00AM
, Dec 04, 2003 12:00AM
No, this isn't typical either of the age or for girls in general. It's going to be important as you proceed to maintain your equanimity. Screaming at her will only exacerbate the problem, as well as teach her to yell if she's frustrated and angry. Be calm and firm at the same time - you can do it. Now, what might be going on? It could be that she's displaying a common development in pre-school children - i.e., when they are frustrated they are overwhelmed with rage and have not yet learned how to manage such an onrush of emotion. Alternatively, she might be displaying the early signs of a mood disorder. Is there a family history of mood disorder (i.e., depression, bipolar disorder)? If so, it would make her vulnerable to such a condition. Since her behavior is so extreme you might do well to seek professional evaluation. Arrange an appointment with a child psychologist or other pediatric mental health professional. Also, from a behavior management point of view, take a look at Lynn Clark's book titled SOS: Help for Parents. You'll find it very useful and practical.
P.S I AALSO HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH A PANIC DISORDER AND OTHER STUFF I WOULD NOT LIKE TO DISCUS HERE.
PLS HELP
thank-u again so very much.
chey