7 yr old girl, acting out - what to do??

My usually wonderful daughter has recently been acting out. I cought her trying to steal candy just before xmas, she lied to her teacher about her reading assignment, she's been whinny at home, and today dug her fingernails into the arms of 3 of her friends at lunch recess... her Dad and I have been divorced since she was 2, we both give her plenty of attention- we play a game everynight before bedtime. I am at a loss as to why-- of course her answer is a sad look and a shrug of her shoulders. Any suggestions?? the almost stealing act got her a letter of appology to Santa, the lying got her a parent/teacher/child meeting, and today she got recess taken away for tomorrow by her teacher, and I took recess away for all of next week as well.

Parent Answers to "7 yr old girl, acting out - what to do??"

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that must have been hard for the two of you. my daughter and i had almost the same experience. but because of an entirely different reason. she became difficult and whiny at some point. we talked about it and i found out that she misses her mom. i tried to explain what happened, minus some details. i don't know how to follow it through. i just try to make every day fun and nice for her.

I am glad you were able to follow this through and get the answers.
It had to be tough on both of you!
Have a great Valentines Day!

Well,,, the councelor got to the bottom of the situation. Seems that the other girls were picking on her... the reading- she didnt want to admit was too hard.. she gets recess back for next week... thanks for your kind advice and support :) Whew!

Have you had a heart to heart talk with your daughter?
She is trying to say something through her acting out.
It is true, it could be the result of teasing, frustration, learning difficulties - anything! The important thing is to find out how she feels - what is she thinking - when she engages in these types of activities. If your daughter really is demonstrating such a rapid change in behaviors - there is something going on. It sounds like she needs some support , nurturing and reassurance, to help her verbalize her feelings. Have you spoken to her teachers about any changes they have observed, in addition to the stealing. At home, have you noticed any changes - sleeping, eating, playing. Is anything different in her home environment? Have you spoken to her father about these concerns. Children need to know, especially in a divorced home - that their parents are unified when it comes to taking care of their children. Children often say in actions what they cannot put into words.
Best of luck. I know this must be very stressful for you as well. Keep as posted.

Is your daughter in first or second grade? When you mention that she lied to her teacher about her reading assignment, can you explain what she did (or didn't do?) While it sounds like she's seeking attention, I'm wondering if she may be diverting attention from something else that's frustrating her, and she doesn't want to think about it.
Do you have any idea what precipitated her digging fingernails into her friend's arms today? I wonder if they might have teased her in some way about her reading....does she seem to be struggling with reading? Sometimes learning disabilities don't show up until the work expectations get "tougher" and instead of being able to explain why she's frustrated, she's showing it by her actions?

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7 yr old girl, acting out - what to do??

Parent Answers to "7 yr old girl, acting out - what to do??"

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