7 year old-worried-seems withdrawn & teary

[swampmonster]

hi I have a very delightful, bright 7 year old girl, she is the eldest of 4 and has always been the most needy of all of the children,I try so hard with her,one to one activities,swimming let her stay up a bit later than the others etc and she always seems teary and maybe a bit withdrawn.
I am looking for ideas to bring her out of herself again a little,laugh more and enjoy things a bit more.
Does anyone have experience of the first born/eldest child being a bit like this-admittedly I would like her to be around children her own age a bit more but with 3 little ones I can't seem to give it the time or even really look after too many extra children in a way which I would like-I took her out with friends the other day which she enjoyed.I have also called 'Rainbows' as this would suit her personality & give her some time out of home away from her younger siblings for some time out.
i am just hoping that with her being off to junior school she doesn't wilt into the background too much and end up not enjoying school either (which at the moment she does) any ideas will be gratefully received.

Do you invite her friends over to play?
Perhaps, you could arrange an outing or lunch with her and a good friend?

I think, with my dd, it's often hormones. Her moods and behaviour changes regularly and generally I reckon it's hormonal. Saying that, DD is 9 now so 7 would seem a bit little for hormones pehaps?

Have you thought about a local drama group? That can give them more self esteem. Do you find yourself asking her to help with the younger ones a lot? Perhaps just ask her if she's okay and why she seems upset now and again.