5 yo behavior issues?

[Rosehip]

My 5 yo DD has been getting a bit difficult. I've got some nanny issues going on, and have realized I'm going to need to get someone who better suits our current needs...

But...she can be a bit out of control. She gets so wound up during playdates that it's non-stop running, jumping on beds, etc. She can get stubborn & uncooperative at times, and gives me nasty looks. I'm pretty upset, as we had an awful playdate today and the other mom wants to take a break from playdates for a while And frankly, I understand why. I also understand that she can sometimes be a bit exclusive at preschool. The teacher has not talked to me about it, and I'm hearing this from my friend whose daughter is also involved. I'm just really down & exasperated. Since I'm a f/t student, I'm not @ drop-off/pick-up and playdates, so this is mostly going down when the nanny is there.

Other than getting a nanny who is better suited to school age children (as opposed to infants), what can I do??? Please help! I'm really upset about this. I don't want my kid to be the mean girl, or for her to be blacklisted...

[claras_mom]

Part of it seems to be a function of being 5, since this is sounding kind of familiar.

Stubborn, uncooperative, and nasty looks...I try to negotiate, within reason, and ask her straight out what the look is about. Unless I try to make an even worse one back.

For the pent up energy, I'd suggest outdoor playdates. I think my 5 yo dd does a lot better when she can get out and run, climb, etc. We live in a temperate climate, but I'd do it in the snow as well--as long as it's not so cold to be a total health hazard, I'd just bundle her up.

Regarding the preschool thing, if you think something might be going on, talk to (or email) the teacher.

I know how hard it is to carve out the time (I teach at a university and I don't think I'm ever completely caught up), but is your dd getting enough face time with *you*? One of the things my mom noticed over the holidays is that when dd is having good one-on-one with one of us she can be a completely different person.