My happy, contented little child has turned into a raging monster! What's gone wrong ???

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, my daughter is nearly 5 and has a speech disorder and is delayed developmentaly.
She's always been a very happy, content little girl who was happy to go along with whatever you asked of her.
Recently though she's really pushing the bounderies. She wont stay in her room at bed time, I have to do Super Nanny style rapid returns. Something I never thought I'd have to do, as she's always been a dream to put to bed. She's also not eating her meals, or just picking at them, then later saying she's hungry. I was making her more food, but she'd do the same again. Now I just say "If you don't eat it, you don't have anything else".
Everything seems to be a battle at the moment. I am being consistent, but it's very hard when she's in bed crying that she's hungry.
She's always making up different names for herself and loves imaginary play, but now even that causes her stress. She gets annoyed if we don't constantly play along, and she's getting quite bossy with it. She's only like it with her family though.
Apparently she is as good as gold at school. On play dates, she is quiet and reserved but plays nicely and shares everything.
Nothing has changed in her life recently. I'm not sure what's going on with her. Could it be a new stage in her development?
I've always been very firm but fair and very loving towards her, which she's always responded to very well until now.
If you have any ideas or tips I'd be really greatful.

Sorry can't really help but bumping for you! Sounds to me that she's just testing the boundaries like they all do at some point but my ds is only 2 so obviously not an expert. Hopefully someone more qualified can help!x

I don't know if this is relevent, but my DS1 really changed when he started school. Much like you describe.

Thank you both. She has been at the same school, with the same group of children since she was 2. They all went through nursery together. She has a new teacher who is lovely and has a great relationship with my daughter.
i wonder if she's struggeling at school maybe? There are some very advanced children in her class and also some very strong charactors. There are several who are quite dominating, outside of school anyway, not sure what they're like in school.
The children like to help my daughter with things too. The teacher has mentioned that some of them tend to baby her and that she enjoys it. She is trying to put a stop to this.
This could be why she is so demanding and bossy at home ? I'm not sure.
I might have a word with her teacher.

bump

Have a word with the teacher, it might make you feel better. But it's probably just a phase that will pass. I know it's a hackneyed phrase, but it's true - things change, things pass. Don't sweat it too much.

Yup - My oldest went through this when he started school, and DS2 has just started so I'm waiting for it to happen again. (My sister warned me about it after it happened with her 4)
School leaves them tired & grouchy. They seem to be able to behave at school, but once you get home... oh boy!

Thank you. I hope it'll pass then. Is it a getting used to school thing? I suppose nursery is more relaxed and less challenging.

Oh - first term reception? YES!! Very common then - they're tired and grumpy. Ease off the after school activities if she has any

Agree with Reception being a factor. Could it also be that she has got to a new stage of mental development where her speech problems are causing her anxiety? My nephew, who also had a language delay, was quite distressed around this age; it seemed to be with not being able to express himself; his need was growing faster than his ability iyswim. Not clear whether it was him realising that other children could do more than him, or simply something inside himself that needed the language iyswim. It passed eventually and he is a lot calmer now.