Could My 8 Year Old Already Be Hormonal?

My lovely daughter was an absolute monster from 8 through 10. Then she got her period at 10yrs and 4months and has been (for the most part) a pretty mellow kid since then. Early puberty, but not so early that her docs were concerned. It can happen. We just dealt with it day by day, but I'm extremely glad we're through it. She's 14 now, and by comparison, is an angel. Her younger sister who also started pretty early wasn't nearly as tough to deal with. Don't know why...

Well, my cousin had her first period 2 weeks after her 8th birthday, so it certainly is possible.

That said, it could also be her being 8. I would handle it however your parenting style would normally treat this behavior. If it gets to be extreme, or seems to affect her (or your family's) quality of life, I would take her to the doctor to make sure here isn't anything physically causing this behavior (be it hormones, chemical imbalances, tiredness, dehydration, vitamin deficiency.... The list goes on and on...)

possibly, but possibly it's just being 8. the drama hits kids at different ages, and she's testing out how far she can push it.
it's trying, but so are lots of parenting phases, aren't they?
i think a sense of humor and a lot of patience are your best responses.
khairete
S.

Entirely possible!

(OMG--please do NOT give your 8 year old a Midol! Midol contains aspirin AND caffeine. 8 year olds should NOT have aspirin and who wZnts a hopped up 8 year old? People really need to *think* before giving bogus advice like that!)

With all due respect Christy Lee--Midol Traditional DOES contain aspirin.

That is early but yes, some girls are starting puberty a that age. Of course a lack of sleep (she still needs 10-11 hours a day) is much more common. As is simply being 8 years old.

I started at 9, so it is possible. I would make sure she's getting enough rest and have a somewhat standard answer for her. She's learning her words can be powerful. When she says she hates you I would say something like wow, you sound frustrated/angry. Let me know if you want to talk about it when you're calm. Sometimes when my kids are over dramatic I'll match them so they see how silly they're being. I HATE doing geometry sometimes gets a reply of not me, I love doing everything I do, laundry, cleaning, bills, scrubbing toilets. Can't wait to cook, clean up after and then go to the grocery store, YIPEE. Usually followed by my loud rendition of Cinderella Cinderella night and day Cinderella.

It's good to handle things with humor and grace. They are entitled to their feelings but they need to own it and not be hurtful to others. I would correct it every time if there's any disrespectful behavior. We can't control what happens but we can sure try to learn to control our reactions.

Blessings!
L.

I would have to say yes since my 8 year old acts the same way. She tells me how I am ruining her life when she doesn't get her way, much like a teen.

I remember my SD being the same way at the same age. I did notice that my daughter is already getting dark hair in her arm pits and I was surprised but I think it's genetic since my SD did too.

Hang in there and keep telling her you love her.

Oh my goodness. Ya'll need to just STOP with the unsourced medical advice. There is NO aspirin in Midol. The main pain reliever is acetaminophen (tylenol). Midol Teen doesn't even have caffeine. It's tylenol and a diuretic to help with bloating. There's not a dang thing in there that is going to regulate hormones, so unless she's got a headache, cramps or bloating, don't bother.

ANYWAY. On to your question.

While it certainly is possible that your 8 year old is being affected by hormones, it's not likely. It's more likely that her outbursts are related to her learning to deal with her maturing emotions. As adults we all have a bad day now and then. It ought not come as a shock that kids do too. She needs your loving guidance and calm example.

I very strongly recommend that every parent read the book "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk." I think that your daughter's coping skills for dealing with her emotions are pretty poor, and it's up to you and dad to guide her on what to do. The book is a game-changer relating to how to effectively and thoughtfully communicate with your kids. Please check it out.

I would say my 9 yo daughter is the same, but shows now signs of puberty. I guess it's possible, but more likely she is just testing you and exploring what she can get away with and how people react to her. It is exhausting.

My daughter had a really rough year at age 9 - and I think it was hormonal. I say definitely yes, your daughter could be hormonal!

I went through puberty at age 8 - and that was before our food was full of hormones. Early puberty runs in my Mom's family. When did you go through puberty (the age you started developing, not menstruating which happens later)? How about women on your husband's side? It's worth knowing because going through puberty at 8 didn't have a singe up side, and I imagine that hasn't changed. Good luck to you and your daughter.
-e

Yes, it is possible. I noticed similar things in my almost 8 year old, and it seemed to be synchronized with my cycle, which of course, happens when women share living space.

At her last well-child visit, I raised the issue with her doc privately before our appt. and asked her to evaluate if she was getting into puberty. I was concerned because of her age.

Her doc asked when I started menstruating (10 yo), and after the exam, told me that pre-pubescence is approx. a 3 year arc. Based on my input, some other systems, and my history, the doc said that said that yes, my daughter is starting to get hormonal, it's normal, and she will likely also start her pd. around age 10, which would be well within normal ranges.

Start paying attention to when the symptoms erupt and anything else going on. One month my daughter's face completely broke out around the same time when she was moody, but it hasn't happened for a couple of months now. Hormones seem to surge and abate at this age, but the more info you have, the better you can assess what is going on with her.

Good luck!

Don't have girls but hear they mature faster than boys. They were like that at 10 so it makes sense that an 8 year old girl would start at that time. They go in and out of being young men and kids. Let the fun begin.... :)

Seems too early, but I guess anything is possible.