9 year old daughter overly emotional?

[Mom-2-2Princesses]

My 9 year old went through something very similar in the spring. We had weeks of gradually increasing clinginess, crying, unhappiness and moodiness for no apparent reason. Turns out it was anxiety. She was feeling extremely overwhelmed and it was manifesting as an absolute inability to cope with pretty much anything else.

We got her in counseling (we called it "happiness coaching"), where she learned some stress management techniques, and we worked very very hard on her organization. Cleaning out and organizing her room, locker, play areas, everything. It all helped tremendously, and by the end of the summer she was a different kid. No more tears, no freaking out about losing things, happy now to go to school. Of course, there's "normal" 9 year old emotional stuff, but her whole attitude and demeanor are better overall.

Best wishes to you and your daughter!

 

[SmallWorld71]

I HIGHLY recommend "The Care and Keeping of You - The Body Book for Girls" put out by the American Girl Doll company.
I was having similar issues with DD when she turned 9 and her pediatrician recommended it.
DD and I read it together and it has been a wonderful tool. It helped her to see that her flux of emotions was nomal and how to deal with it. I still catch her reading it sometimes when she is having a bad day. It also addresses things such as hygiene and physical body changes.
The AGD stores sell it, but they have it at bookstores also. We got ours at Barnes and Noble.
Just make sure you don't get the one for older girls. (10+, I think)
This original one is designed for tweens.

 

[Nolcrest]

Just knowing what I know now, I wouldn't second guess. I would make an appointment to see a therapist. Anxiety/depression can be debilitating and it is terrible watching someone experience the emotions that goes w/it. It never hurts to speak w/ a professional. If it's nothing that's great, at least you'll have piece of mind.

I personally wouldn't keep her home from school. Don't let staying home become a crutch when dealing w/emotions.

I hope the situation improves. It's so rough being a parent. But don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice.

 

[mumto3girls]

I HIGHLY recommend "The Care and Keeping of You - The Body Book for Girls" put out by the American Girl Doll company. I was having similar issues with DD when she turned 9 and her pediatrician recommended it. DD and I read it together and it has been a wonderful tool. It helped her to see that her flux of emotions was nomal and how to deal with it. I still catch her reading it sometimes when she is having a bad day. It also addresses things such as hygiene and physical body changes. The AGD stores sell it, but they have it at bookstores also. We got ours at Barnes and Noble. Just make sure you don't get the one for older girls. (10+, I think) This original one is designed for tweens.

Love that book. Read it to my older girls and will probably read it to my youngest in the next year or so.

 

[jennyjinx3]

I too have am emotional 9 year old and reading the American girl book helped her too. Even though it repeats exactly what I have told her it really helped her to read it.

 

[Southernmiss]

When dd was 9, she seemed to be getting ready for big changes physically--gained weight, had b.o. and I just had a feeling that it was time to talk about puberty with her. I bought the American Girl book and we read it together. Great book! In the last few years, dd has grown and physically changed a lot and recently started her period at almost 12.

She has kept the book under her bed and I am sure that she pulls it out now and then.

Puberty for her came earlier than for me so I am glad I talked with her when I did. She's, so far, manuevering through it well.