Tummy ache... should I believe my DD?

[PinkFluffyslippers]

Over the past week or so DD has kept complaining about tummy ache all over her tummy.
SHe's been eating normally and pooing normally - except tonight when she had a runny tummy.

What to do?

When she complains of tummy ache I listen and sympathise and give her a hot water bottle but if I distract her with a joke or something she perks up.

Is the tummy ache just attention seeking or should I seek medical advice...

How old?

Sorry forgot to mention DD is 5 and a half.

The only thing I can think of -is that last term she had a day off school with a genuine tummy ache and spent a wonderful day in front of the telly and chilling out with me.

FWIW she does love being the centre of attention - not surprising as she's an only child.

Children don't seem to be able to tell exactly where pain is, so will quite often complain of 'tummy ache' when it's something else.

DS had 'tummy ache' the other day and after careful discussion we worked out that he was upset at not being able to see a friend that day!

I think a chat first in case it's something else.

(I read about the pain thing in a parenting magazine and it may be cr*p.)

OTOH, my dd 8.7 complained of a tummy ache for two days. I dismissed her whining and sent her to school. on the third day, I was phoned and drove to collect a little girl who was oozing copious amounts of very runny poo. She had a whole week off with coffee machine bum. I felt pretty horrid tbh.

When I was about 7 I complained of a tummy ache for weeks. I didn't have a tummy ache, but I was feeling under confident at school and a little left out by my friends. I didn't realise at the time that I was faking it!

I did do it for attention, and my mum, gave me loads and the little problems with my confidence passed, and the tummy ache passed.

The reason I complained of a tummy ache; I'd seen my friend have appendicitis and be lavished with attention from everyone!!

Just thought this little memory of mine might help you. It could be a real tummy ache though.

Thanks for these replies. Perhaps she wants more attention after getting lots of attention when she did genuinely have tummy ache. Oh well shall just monitor her and see what happens.
X

Difficult - my 3.5 yr old had tummy ache for a few days, then ended up in hospital on a drip with suspected appendicitis finally diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis. But I would be less worried if there were no other symptoms D&V. Agree with careful monitoring,