8 yr old daugher change in mood, lasted week so far

[suebdu]

my 8 yr old daughter has had a recent change in temperament, starting at the end of last week she has been upset and crying every night and at first saying she was scared over something she saw in a movie-it was a kids horror movie, goosebumps and now she has been upset over missing daddy-who works in the evenings.  This behavior is unlike her and she has always been pretty happy except if she doesn't get her way with something.  I'm worried this is an early sign of depression.  Her dad has been working this schedule for 8 months or so. She seems fine if she is doing something fun, but when its time to go home and chill out she acts upset and is crying.

[mammo]

I would sit down and ask her why she is crying and what she is afraid of, start a line of communication.  It may very well have been a movie and with her father gone at night when it's the scariest, she is afraid. Talk to her about the movie, and what is was that scared her, why is she crying in HER home where you will keep her safe.  This is the age when you can show her that she can talk to you about anything.  She may be having bad dreams and going home reminds her that night time is coming.  Kids at this age are very sensitive, and it doesn't take much to get them upset.  Does your husband have a computer with a web cam and you as well, so that they can see and talk to one another?  It's odd that first it was the movie and now it's daddy being gone, so getting her to really open up to you is important.  Say things to her like "somedays I feel like crying too, let's talk and see if we can help each other be happier. Suggest she and you make things for daddy to surprise him when he gets home.  Make sure she has things to keep her busy while at home as well.  Most importantly talk, kids from young to old don't always think parents get the same feelings or understand, by being able to relate to her and her feelings will make her more comfortable talking with you.  I know this is breaking your heart and you feel so helpless, but it's new and hasn't been going on very long.  If she continues to do this, I would seek help for her to nip this in the bud right away.  Hopefully, she will be totally honest with you as to what is going on.  I wish you all the best, it's tough when it's one of our children.  Take care.

[therese83]

Always red flag any behavior like this in case there is something else going on that you are not aware of.
Keep an eye on her is there any chance something traumatic could have happened or bullying.


Otherwise perhaps she is expressing how she feels and 'better out than in"  it is often the kid who doesn't express we need to worry about.   Just listen and understand how she feels.  She is telling you she needs to see more of her Dad can that be worked into your schedule ?

[M4Y0U]

It is perfectly normal for a kid to have change in her behavior at some point in her life. Your kid is subject to hormonal changes that could have a significant factor in her mood and also consider her dad's schedule.

''This behavior is unlike her and she has always been pretty happy except if she doesn't get her way with something.''

I really don't think the problem here is depression but more that she's used to have what she wants and now she's starting to realize she cannot always get what she wants and this is something that is playing against her ego. As a defense mechanism to her superego she will get upset and cry.

I wouldn't worry about a teen depression unless things gets worse over time then it would be a good time to consult a psychiatrist.

M4