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My parent skills are being tested now.

Amanda - posted on 06/25/2009 ( 7 moms have responded )

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I have a 6 year old who was the youngest in her 1st grade class. She is by all rights an only child. (other siblings are much older and live with their mother) These past few weeks she has been very sensitive. It started out with I don't have any friends. I expressed my thoughts with her teacher and she was so shocked that Meaghan would say this and asked the kids to show their hands if they where friends with Meaghan. They all raised their hands. Now it is "I am the worst kid there is!" of course this is said while she in crying.

Tonight it all started with I (Meaghan) want to watch a movie. We watched a movie she picked. After the movie I said go get a book and we will read a little bit. She started arguing and insisting on another movie. Well after the 3rd no and explaining we weren't going to watch a movie and to get a book. I say just go to bed. She changes her mind and says I want a book. Me, sticking to my guns. (because I just made my mind up) I told her no because I don't want to give into her I tell her to go to bed. That is when it starts. "I am the worst kid. I need to see a doctor and get fixed."

Now I have always talked to her in the eyes and like an adult. I try my hardest to explain everything to her level. But I just don't like nor want her to say those kind of things about herself. I want her to have a high self-esteem. I just don't know what to do or say to her when she says this. Why and where does she get this?

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Denise - posted on 06/27/2009

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HI Amanda,

My understanding this can be very common for gifted children. They can easily become self conscious - especially at school- because they realize they are different- or are treated differently (likely they play differently etc). They are also eager to please their parents so the littlest thing can set off negativity and it can be hard for us to figure out why. I don't know if this book will help, but it definitely speaks to more about the emotional side of giftedness vs the education advocacy side of things most books about gifted children cover. Raising Gifted Kids Dr Barbara Klein.

HTH.
Denise

Amanda - posted on 06/27/2009

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Quoting Rebekah:

Have you tried asking her why she thinks that, or why she would say that? You can preface it with, "I don't think that's true, but why..." Sometimes kids get fixated on the littlest things that really upset them.


Rebekah,



 



I have asked but she doesn't say anything. :(

Amanda - posted on 06/27/2009

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Chitra,
Thank goodness I am not the only one. I too have questioned my parenting skills. I wish she was in school so I can ask her counselor.

Amanda - posted on 06/27/2009

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Quoting Rebekah:

Have you tried asking her why she thinks that, or why she would say that? You can preface it with, "I don't think that's true, but why..." Sometimes kids get fixated on the littlest things that really upset them.


Rebekah,



 



I have asked but she doesn't say anything. :(

Chitra - posted on 06/26/2009

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Hi Amanda, I am glad to know I am not the only clueless mom. I have an 8year old who seems to be going through a similar 'phase' these past couple of months. I have tried talking, pointing out the wonderful things she is capable of, spoke to her teachers - just in case something is happening unknown to adults, looked into possible abuse situations even (paranoid me), I just don't know what is bringing on this emotional distress and sudden low self esteem. I have started to question my parenting skills even. I have asked if she could speak to the school counseller, hoping that she may be able to talk to a stranger with more ease.

I really do hope it is a fixated topic she will outgrow as Rebekah mentions

Rebekah - posted on 06/26/2009

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Have you tried asking her why she thinks that, or why she would say that? You can preface it with, "I don't think that's true, but why..." Sometimes kids get fixated on the littlest things that really upset them.

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