Super-sensitive (sometimes) 5 yo dd

[JaniceT]

For the most part, my dd seems pretty well-adjusted, well-behaved, etc. She has never been prone to tantrums or anything. But every so often she just dissolves into an uncontrollable fit of grief and tears over what seems to be quite minor things. A month ago she saw a photograph of the cat we had when she was born -- he died before she turned one, so she doesn't remember him -- but all of a sudden she was just wrecked, sobbing that she missed him. She really gets uncontrollable and her little body can hardly stand the wracking sobs. Her teacher reported that she had a similar episode at school around the same time, and it was because she was "remembering" the cat. The teacher was incredibly surprised because it was so unlike dd's normal behavior. She -- the teacher -- told me that even she didn't know what to do because dd's reaction was so overwhelming and unstoppable.

Last night dd and I went on a "date" without dh -- dinner with just "us girls" -- and she did it again. She inadvertently ripped the paper with games and coloring stuff that the restaurant had given her, and she fell apart. I had to actually carry her out of the room -- something I haven't had to do since she was an infant -- and it felt so weird, carrying this big girl who was torn apart with grief.

I'm at a loss for what to do. Again, this behavior is so unlike her. No one in the family has died, she's been at the same school for two years, so we're not dealing with any death or transition issues. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Janice T.

[Katiemare]

She might just be exploring those emotions. I don't know!

Does she care about the reaction of the adults around her? I'd try to be understanding without making a huge issue about it.

[thomrho]

My dd, almost 4, is the same way. Sometimes i think she is lettting out emotions that she felt about something else but hasn't been able to express them. Sometimes I think she is tired and less able to cope with feelings. I would love anybody else's insight. I have moments where I worry about her mental/emotional health.

[aprildawn]

My DD who is the same age has similar episodes. She had a breakdown when her grandfather sold his car. She missed the car. And we cut down a bush in our front yard that has been an eyesore since we bought the house. She had a breakdown about cutting down the bush. I don't get it.

Maybe it's normal for this age?