...because mine is driving me mad at the moment, and am not sure if it's me or her or (probably) a bit of both.
She is 7 in a few weeks, an only child and looking forward to going back to school with the same teacher as she had last year.
Over the last few months I sometimes feel like I have a teenager, she is whiny, neurotic, answers back, refuses to do as she's told (literally - point blank 'no'), constantly complaining of tummy ache and feeling sick (have been to the Dr so many times have lost count and the only thing they can come up with is constipation - going back next week to insist on a referral to a paediatrician), in spite of which she eats like a horse and rarely complains when she is occupied/with people.
This behaviour isn't all the time to be fair - she's lovely a lot of the time, extremely bright, affectionate and funny, but when she's not she is foul.
We had a lovely day together yesterday. This morning I explained to her when we got up that I had a few important jobs to do and once they were done we'd have the rest of the day to play/do stuff together. She has been moaning and attention seeking virtually all morning, called nana (my mum-who thinks the sun shines of her backside) for a whinge, and chosen possibly the 2 most awkward activities available that she has to keep interrupting me to help with.
I just cannot understand how such an intelligent child cannot get their head around 'if you let me get on, I will be able to give you attention sooner'.
Must be off now to finish chores and give her some attention - will be back later.
Really appreciate any advice (or reassurance that mine is not the only one). FWIW DH thinks I do too much with her, I feel that I don't do enough 
!