Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

My DD just turned 5 in June, and she is so very emotional. She cries over everything and gets upset very easily. I've tried talking to her when she is upset, and when she is calm, but I'm not sure if this is a phase or something I need to talk to her ped. about? I do understand all kids are different, but since my DS didn't go through this stage, I'm not exactly sure how to help her control or better express her feelings in a constructive way.

Any tips? I feel like she's getting worse instead of better lately, and I want to help her, but clearly I'm failing at that.

Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

Mine is exactly the same. Girls are much more emotional creatures!! I find that the way in which I speak to her really helps. By that I mean I have to watch the way I talk in every single conversation I have with her...I never raise my voice, and always sweet, I am not accusatory etc. I go out of my way to be VERY CALM (even though inside I am cursing like a sailor). It is VERY difficult at times, but I have seen a dramatic improvement in her behavior. I also really talk about her feelings...I ask why she feels upset and try to get to the route of the problem (after she calms down of course). Good luck! I know it is tough!

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

I have no advice. I feel like I'm failing at this too. My dd is the same way right now. My dd will be 5 in 3 weeks and she has gone from my happy go lucky little girl to constant tears and tantrums. I contribute some of it to losing my grandma her great grammy but I think most of it is because she is nervous about going to Kindergarten. My dd will barely let me talk to her. She tells me she is running away or she cries hysterical until she calms down. I try to always talk calmly to her and listen when she does talk. I'm hoping after school starts and she sees that its nothing to be scared of that this phase will pass.

Message edited 7/26/2015 9:28:33 PM.

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

This is my 5 yr old also. SO emotional and moody. Happy one second, upset the next. I've been told it's a phase some days are worse than others. I Can't wait til it gets better. Everything someone says and does makes her so upset. But then a few mins later she could be really happy. Idk I hope it's normal though lol

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

DS has been doing this recently (going to turn 5 any day now). I tell him to stop crying and talk. Do the same with DD (who is 3.5 and whines). They do get spoiled by babysitters & use crying to try to get something: response, affection, etc.

It is a phase... I just don't want him to be tortured or teases in K. He has no fear of going at all... But he can't cry to get what he wants.

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

OMG, i'm so glad mine's not the only one!! DD is 5 too and it's constant crying. She cries more than her 1 year old sister!!!!! She's also become scared of EVERYTHING too - going to the movies, the pool, camp (she's been going to this place since she was 2!)...it's been a nightmare! I'm actually trying to find a child psychologist (in network!) to help because i am lost with what to do with her. She's also been acting up/not listening, so i constantly feel like i'm yelling at her!

Part of me thinks it's her way of getting attention. she doesnt know to ask to spend quality time with me, so she does this. I asked her the other day if she thinks i yell too much, she said yes. I told her that i would make her a deal, she listened to me and the rules, and i wont yet. I reminded her this morning of that, and not ONE bit of a crying. I either got lucky or I could be on to something here. I'm going to try this for a while and see how we do!!

i HOPE this is a phase...if this is 5, then what are the teen years going to be like????

Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

OMG!!! My DS is almost 5 (turns 5 in November) and i feel like he's getting more whiny as he gets older!! LOL i thought only the little toddlers were supposed to whine! HAHA
he's really sensitive- the minute you tell him he can't do something, or that he can't help you with something (sorry! you can't stand over boiling water and put the noodles in!! HAHA) he starts crying, runs into his room, etc....
Im glad to hear its a common phase at this age!!! Ive just been doing what the other posters said- trying to stay as calm as possible, and getting him to tell me why he's upset instead of just screaming. i remember reading that you should validate their feelings first " i know you're upset because you want to help mommy cook... but its very hot and dangerous. How bout you help me set the table instead?" that kind of stuff. OR i'll start it off for him " you're made because.... why?" and i can usually get him to finish. and... this sounds a little strange.... BUT i read somewhere that you should get below their level when you're talking to them about stuff like this... makes them feel a little bit more in control??? so like sit him in a chair or on the sofa while you kneel down on the floor and ask " what's the matter?" or whatever.... they calm down a little faster bc they don't feel like you're towering over them, yelling.... who knows?? HAHA
GOOD LUCK to all of us!!!! at least it sounds like we're not alone!!! LOL

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

So glad I'm not alone!! It's crazy how one second she's fine, then the next she's upset and crying telling me to go away from her. Thanks for everyone's tips I'm going to try and implement a lot of them. I plan to ask her if she thinks I'm yelling too much, honestly the majority of the time it's not even her I'm yelling at, it's my 19 month old who thinks she's invincible lol. I also know she has a harder time with my DH, because he jokes with her a lot, and she flips out about it, so he's trying to reign that in, but it's totally his personality lol.

I'm honestly frightened for teenage years

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

My DD is turning five soon and lately shes very sensitive. If my voice gets one octave higher she starts getting upset. If she doesn't win she starts to cry. When we leave a party or family's house she cries for her stuffed animal. she always asks if we love her. Girls are so funny!

Re: Very emotional DD, is it a phase?

OMG thank you for this post. DD turned 5 in June as well and is so emotional and senstitive over the most ridiculous nonsense!!! I try to speak calmly with her about it, but when she's hysterically crying because she can't decide if she wants waffles or eggs for breakfast...I slowly begin to lose my patience!

I'm noticing it has a LOT to do with making choices lately...she can't decide on something and then she freaks out. And God forbid I just make the choice for her...it's never right. More tears. AHHHHH!