My dd9 has become horrible. Reassure me it's normal.

[harryhausen]

I hoping this is the teenage strops early.

My dd9 is just not enjoyable to be around at the moment. She's moody, constantly tired, stroppy and un-communicative. Last year she grew about a foot in a year and now has size 4 feet. She has also grown small boobs already.

She never been a girly girl - always favouring boys clothes or the more emo style. She's very popular at school but also a bit if a loner if that makes sense? She's doing really well academically.

This summer holidays she doesn't want to read anything, do anything unless it involves begging out. We has done great days out that she enjoyed though - well, we had a small window before her moodiness crept in again.

Is this all normal? I think I'm panicking a bit as my ds6 is outside all the time making new friends easily. I'm worrying as I'll be looking for secondary schools this year and I think I want to send her to a different school to many of her friends as I think it's better. I'm worried I've got a freaky child who likes the dark things in life and will never snap out of her moods!

Luckily, I've had no girl friendship group problems yet so I'm lucky so far.

*vegging out.

Sounds like hormones could be playing a part which is entirely normal.

Is she anxious about the last year of primary? Maybe the idea of secondary school is worrying her a bit but schools generally have excellent transition activities and there will always be children who don't know anyone else.

If she's constantly tired - is she getting enough sleep? If yes would it be worth seeing a GP?

I wouldn't worry about her style of dress - it's great that she's confident enough to have her own style!

My 9 yo ds is similar. The instant flip to moodiness, reluctant to do anything other than play on his pi/ds/the laptop, lovely and cuddly tythe rest of the time is familiar!

I'm putting it down to him almost straddling two worlds. The kid world and the more grown up world. He wants to read grown up books, stay up late and have more responsibility, but the reality is he still loves diary of a wimpy kid, is grouchy if he hasn't had enough sleep and can't keep his room tidy!

We are trying to help him through it by allowing him more independence, so today we visited an indoor attraction that he knows well. He was allowed to go off and explore so long as he came back to me periodically and didn't leave with anybody but us. He LOVED it. He is making toast for himself, he has learned to dry up. He is allowed to veg out in his room for hours every now and again, but not all day every day, and as long as his laundry is away, windows are opened etc) He is allowed to stay up late and watch more grown up stuff (the 15 billion dollar railway was a hit!) and I'm considering the begged for hunger games series.

We try and talk him through his moodiness and anger, but sometimes we let it lie.

Tough isnt it? I think hormones must be playing a part too. Like your dd he has shot up, wears a size four shoe, has pubes coming. Bless em, this too shall pass!