Worried about DD (5) - very sad/clingy

[sarah573]

Im concerned about my DD who is just 5.

She has always been a little clingy, but confident and happy with it if that makes sense!

She started school in September and has been doing really well, always went in and came out happy - and good reports from the teacher while she was there.

This week everything seems to have changed. We've had tears every morning, and the teacher said she's been crying on an off all day wanting Mummy. Shes been sad at home waking up in the evening and crying, and has been really clingy not wanting to go upstairs to the toilet on her own that sort of thing. She got really upset leaving me when she went to her dads for tea this evening - something which has never been a problem before.

Her teacher is worried about her as she says she normally such a happy little thing, but she has just seemed sad. She is not aware of anything at school which has upset her.

I've tried taking to her (DD) but she just says she sad/frightened, and when I ask why she says 'I just am'.

She had quite a traumatic incident on holiday in egypt where she fell and cut her head. She had to be put to sleep in the hospital and have stitches. This distressed her (and me) as they wouldn't let me go to the ansethetic room with her while they put her to sleep. Whilst everyone was very nice the hospital/care just wasn't up to UK standards. She seemed to bounce back really quickly afterwards and was fine for the rest of the holiday. This was 3 weeks ago, and she was fine at school and home when we got back from holiday.

She doesn't seem to be ill, and in any case is big enough to tell me is something hurts.

Im hoping this is just a phase!! Any ideas?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I think you should realy try to get it out of her. Chose a quiet moment, unplug phone and just chat to her and try to get her to open up. Also have a word with her Dad to see what he's noticed. If you don't get anywhere maybe talk to your G.P or health visitor. See what school sugests too. It might be wise to keep her off school while she's like this if she just crys on and off all day. I'd give her loads of attention as well to try to boost her confidence. I hope this helps.

[mumofhelen]

Play her favourite game together. My dd loves playing with LEGO DUPLO, and when she's building stuff, and dh and I are helping, that's when we ask her questions. Are your sad? Why are you sad? etc It may be something another child said, something she's seen - it can be the smallest things that can make a child upset.