Daughter seems sad

7 replies

LeafBud7 · 09/09/2024 13:38

My DD is 12, so not actually a teen but this feel "teeny". She started her period a few months ago (on her 12th bday, bless her). She has always been so jolly, so buoyant, and the last week or two she just looks so tired and sad a lot of the time. I keep asking her is she ok, is anything wrong.. she says no, nothing in particular. Im trying to make sure she gets enough sleep, she is having trouble getting to sleep, she looks worn out... I feel quite upset and worried about her even though im telling myself it is probably normal at this age to have some mood changes. I hate to see her like this :(

OP posts:

motheroreily · 09/09/2024 15:05

I don't have any advice. But wanted to say my 12 year old is the same. I worry so much.

I asked her if she was depressed the other day and she laughed at me! In hindsight I should've asked a more gentle question.

My daughter does speak to me about school and friends. So I hope she'd tell me if there was anything up.

She also has trouble getting to sleep. I'm going to start reading with her again before bed because reading tires her out.

I worry so so much but people tell me it's normal teen behaviour.

Honestlymade · 09/09/2024 15:12

Teenagers are biologically programmed to go to sleep later at night and sleep in later in the morning.

They are the most sleep deprived section of the population as a result.

I think school should not start till at least 10 to help them with this.

Original poster

LeafBud7 · 09/09/2024 15:42

motheroreily · 09/09/2024 15:05

I don't have any advice. But wanted to say my 12 year old is the same. I worry so much.

I asked her if she was depressed the other day and she laughed at me! In hindsight I should've asked a more gentle question.

My daughter does speak to me about school and friends. So I hope she'd tell me if there was anything up.

She also has trouble getting to sleep. I'm going to start reading with her again before bed because reading tires her out.

I worry so so much but people tell me it's normal teen behaviour.

Thanks yes it does feel worrying doesnt it, when you are not used to seeing them this way. I am taking mine swimming after school today, perhaps the exercise will calm her and facilitate sleep!

OP posts:

eyerollexpertx · 21/05/2025 10:30

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notnowmrshudson · 22/05/2025 08:10

dd 14 is the same. it comes naturally with the age, i'd say don't worry and just be a supportive available nonjudgmental parent so as she always knows she has a support system and it gets easier for her to deal with, otherwise it's just something we all have to go through. although dd uses luna to track her emotions as well as her periods and says she feels more "in control" of her growing pains and she likes to notice her patterns. so that's an additional support that's helped her x

notnowmrshudson · 27/05/2025 12:28

dd 14 is the same. We are pretty close so it's hard to see her go through these growing pains. I say you can always be available for them and listen to them (nonjudgmentally) and being a stable support system during these years are crucial to help them recover better from these changes in moods and pressures of being a teen x

YourAquaTurtle · 28/05/2025 17:19

Oh I'm really sorry, I understand how difficult this can be - especially when you're not used to seeing her like this, but it really is SO normal, the same thing happened with my DD (14). Periods can feel quite overwhelming at the beginning, but she'll get into a good routine. I found this article really helpful when talking to my daughter about periods, makes it less embarrassing: https://weareluna.app/parents/guides/periods-and-hormones/period-talk-with-daughter/

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