Communication problems with 5 1/2 year old

[KatWrangler]

I am continuing to have a problem with Gabrielle expressing herself. If something isn't right then she has a breakdown and will cry and cry and can't/will not express what is wrong in words. Is this normal for a 5 1/2 year old?

Examples would be:

She asks for something and I don't quite hear (I have some hearing loss) what she wants. She will storm away or fall down on the floor crying. I try to get out of her what it is she wants, but again she can't/will not express what it is in words. This morning I did her catheter earlier. I just went up to take a shower and help get the girls dressed. I helped Gabrielle with her braces and she said she would do the rest. Well as I left the room she starts having a fit. I asked what is wrong and she just cries. She does this when she doesn't get what she wants immediately? This could be something as simple as not hearing her exactly say what she is asking and me asking for clarification. Is this behavior? Am I reinforcing a negative behavior? This morning I said to her I need you to clarify what you are asking of me. I can't help you with you crying. I then told her I was going down stairs. She continued to cry and carry on. So she just came down dressed. Then says "You were suppose to help me with my hair and toothbrush." I said no problem. If you would of asked me that upstairs in the first place, I would of stayed to help you.

Suggestions? Is she just immature? Otherwise she is fairly smart for her age.  I know she has been through a lot in her 5 1/2 years, so I try to take that into account.  But I think this has gone on too long and she hasn't outgrown it yet.

[KCMichigan]

I have two 5.5 yr olds and one does that kind of behavior WAY more than the other.

I honestly, dont know if it is related- but she is also my little one that struggles with gross motor skills.

I think at this age, she is reaching frustration levels faster and she just shuts down. She knows she could/should do something (or thinks she should)but for whatever reason cant (ability, size, situation,etc) and she gets so frustrated she cant articulate it.

I dont think on my DD case it is a communication issue (though she has some social quirks), but rather a developmental stage. She is realizing quickly that she differs from her peers, her world is getting bigger due to school starting soon, and we have been giving her more responsibilities (cleaning up, helping, etc). It is a fine balance for her, at least,  to fit her needs and abilities to her perception on her abilities. When those dont match she gets upset beyond what the situation calls for.

A few other things: my DD cries so much she literally cant speak until she calms down when she is 1. tired    2. low blood sugar     Sometimes it is hard to remember that physical action takes more energy for her (since she is almost 6) and she fatigues quickly and needs to eat 3 meals and two snacks to keep her energy up and she needs more sleep than usual  for her age (which is hard to get in summer).

Otherwise DD is very articulate and bright, she just seem to lose her coping skills  when she is frustrated or feels 'stuck' in a situation.

If you continued to be worried, get an eval. We have had some OT & play therapy to help her other concerns and it has spilled over into coping skills. If your DD is going into K , then get involved with the social worker or other helper to make sure she can practice those skills in school.