Is this normal for a 10 yr old?

[Sortofdontwantto]

I found a letter my daughter had written in her bedroom. Yes I probably shouldn’t have read it, but….Within it she laments how awful her life is, how she has no friends, she’s unlikeable, and there’s nothing to look forward to and no joy to be found or had. It’s quite dramatically written (important, as below).

She’s then written an addendum to it the next day saying ‘I have lots of moods, yesterday was a depressed one sorry, but today I’m excited as….’ and described what she was excited about.

She wants to be a journalist and loves writing very dramatic pieces so this is somewhat in keeping with that, but the content has worried me.

She definitely has some ongoing friend issues sure (what 10 yr old girl doesn’t?), but she’s also popular, invited to every party etc. She’s very bright (if this has any bearing) often seeming older than her age but she’s also very sensitive to slights and often sees them where they aren’t there I think. The opposite of one of these kids where everything washes over them!

She has seemed down at times recently, but at other times completely normal. I guess my question is, do you think this sounds normal ‘sadness’ for a just 10 year old (although definitely starting puberty) or do you think I should be worried and look for some intervention?

Sounds like some teen hormones are on the march.

I still have a diary from when I was very slightly older than your DD and I wrote very dramatically like that. Very much an emotional rollercoaster, English/Literacy was my favourite subject and I wrote a lot of stories too.
I think it’s normal, but just keep an eye on her.

Definitely hormones, the moods she mentions and the woe is me attitude. Definitely normal for a girl going through puberty. Good luck! 😂

Yes. Don't let her know you've seen it but let it be known she can talk to you about any problems.

Honestly, what 'intervention' would you be looking for?

Yes my 10yo girl is just like this. It's a constant exhausting rollercoaster!

She usually likes to hit me with the drama at around 8-10pm in the evenings, which is presumably when her mind goes into overdrive, but is also unfortunately when I have the least energy and patience for it... Definitely a challenge learning how to navigate this new stage.

Keep an eye on her, maybe try and open up a relaxed conversation (somehow). Have a girly day? Casual chat about girly problems etc. and low moods and high moods etc. to see if she opens up.

I was also a dramatic girl who loved reading and writing so I can imagine I would have written something similar.
Also, possibly puberty on the horizon? x

Thanks all. We have a very open relationship and we talk a lot. But she’s often reluctant to discuss friendship issues. She told me an adult can never understand how a child feels. I said I was a child once and she said, ‘but that was a different era!’

I think puberty is definitely starting yes so sure that’s contributing

@SpoonyRedOtter that’s a spiky reply. It would be the usual help for a child that had mental health issues - counselling, school support etc

That's why I asked.

Why you would think it would be a 'mental health issue' that required school support or counselling.

When it isn't a 'mental health issue' and just normal.

Pathologising normal things isn't helpful but I understand parents are hyper-aware and worried.

Especially when reading private notes you shouldn't be.

@SpoonyRedOtter i think you may not have comprehended the thread. I’m literally asking if it’s normal. I take it your opinion is that it is. End of. Thanks

She sounds like any of the 11/12 year olds I have met coming into year 7 over the years. But if you're worried it's more than hormones then maybe get some counselling, but I wouldn't worry.