Super Emotional 8 Year Old...

8 is no longer considered precocious puberty. isn't that scary? Typically the hypothalamus revves up about 18 months before a girl gets her period. LOTS of girls start their period at 10, so she's not out of line to be getting "hormonal" at this age.

I started managing my daughter at 8 like I managed her when she was 3. Separate MY emotions from HER behavior. Give her simple commands. Ignore tantrums and reward positive behavior. Teach her that how she FEELS and how she BEHAVES are 2 completely separate things and give her space to feel whatever she feels, but coach her on how to ACT when she is around others (again - stress that feelings and emotions are 2 different things). Let her have as much control over things that are appropriate, so that she WON'T be successful gaining control over things that are NOT appropriate.

I call 3 year olds tiny terrorists in a lot of posts I answer. I think pre-pubescent girls are just the life-size version.

You have a small window of reprieve when she starts her period - because you aren't the enemy when she needs you.
But then it's going to ramp up again. When the sex hormones kick in. Same advice for that as above.

Are her brothers older or younger?

Good Luck

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ETA - I read a book that talked about how their bodies in puberty are getting used to the release of endocrines, and their brain doesn't always get it 'right'.... so their responses aren't appropriate. ie- something that SHOULD make them mad doesn't because their brain didn't release enough of that hormone. But something that SHOULDN'T make her giddy does... because at that moment her brain released TOO MUCH of that hormone. Sometimes it helps if you can explain to her what is going on so she knows she has to be more diligent about separating how she feels she should respond from what is appropriate action.

It's her age-be extra patient-and when she comes out of this stage-I hope the brothers are fast runners!

So... a year or so ago... I asked a question about "year nicknames". Everyone knows the "terrible 2's" or "terrible 3's"... but thank GOD someone let me know about the "stupid 6's" (did your brains fall out?!? Aaaaaaargh.), and come to find "Emotional Eights" (or bipolar-esque 8's) is just as common as well.

Like WickerParkGirl... I separated MY emotions from HIS tantrums.

To ME age 8/9 is soooooo much harder than the toddler years... because:

a) half the time they're little kids & half the time they're "so grown up" (aka I catch myself with my expectations being off base)
b) you can't just pick them up and put them on timeout
c) EVERYONE behaves (most of the time) out in public. These boundary pushing escapades and Floppy McTempertantrums are reserved for home. We just don't SEE everyone else's kids wigging out. ((Thank god for sports, where all the moms can "OMG... does YOURS do this, now, too??? Oy! I thought it was just us!")). They've learned enough self control to have a handle on themselves for at least PART of the day, just not all of it.

Your husband may be right. It can start around that time. I was 9

Wow, I have an 8 yr old emotional little girl. She is so amazing at school playdates around other people. But if its just us at home and she gets set off bam she goes into a full blown tantrum. I had started to get a little concerned as why she would get this way, but this does make sense. Even though they do not have periods yet does not mean they are not hormonal. Good luck, and thanks because your question helped me too....

I know many girls who've started their 1st period before the age of 10.

Time to prepare.....

We have the same issue!! Looking forward to your responses! BTW, I love your handle!! lol!!

She probably isn't about to start her period, but yes, this can be hormones. It is VERY typical, around age 8, for kids to have this up-and-down emotional roller coaster at times, sometimes often. My daughter is now nearly 11 and she and all her friends, including some of the boys, went through this-- crying at the drop of a hat, over what seemed to be nothing; taking offense at even gentle joking from another kid or a parent; considering tiny things to be huge issues at school or at home. I know this doesn't make it easier on you (or her!) but do realize that this is normal for this age. I would just affirm her feelings ("I'm sorry you feel so sad") and then distract her with a walk, a game, letting her call or e-mail a friend, etc. Since she has siblings I would definitely ensure she is getting enough one on one time with you and/or dad; that doesn't cancel hormones, of course, but it does let her know you have time for her when she is feeling crazy and down, which will seem like "all the time" to her mind.