4 year old constantly telling on herself

[mommytay]

My 4 year old daughter just started telling on herself for things she didn't even do and then saying are you mad?  And don't tell daddy, but as soon as daddy walks in she tells him.  Then the strangest thing happened today, she said she is sorry she can't help but scratch things and please don't be mad.  But she hasn't scratched anything.  It is very strange and we don't know what to do.

[kittykatty]

Check up on  Obessive Compulsive Disorder. My elder sister suffered from it from primary school to her 40's (present). Guilt and telling on one's self are features.  Good luck. Kitty

[mommytay]

I think it is an attention thing as well, but something seems to trigger this and I just don't know what.  It is scary and heart wrenching watching her cry about scratching things that she hasn't even touched.  I am just affraid of handling it wrong.  

[RockRose]

What attention does she get when she's "in trouble" with him?  It's hard to think of any other reason for her to be doing this,  except she wants whatever happens with him when she's in trouble.

That's just a guess - the other thought is,  does this cause arguments between you and your husband about discipline,  and she's trying to drive a wedge between you two?

I think the first option is more likely,  but it's hard to say . . .