My 5 Year old

by Sandra
(Surrey, BC, Canada)

I have a 5 year old daughter, who unfortunately, has gone through some pretty tough things in the last 3 years. To give an outline of what is going on (working from now to age 2)

Age 5: Very close uncle died, pasture at church died (one day apart), lit matches and tried to start the living room on fire, threatened to commit suicide so that things will be better for everyone else, tells lies about situations even though she knows it is something that she will not get disciplined for, wakes up crying and/or screaming 3-4 nights a week, plays with her friends in a sexual manner, yells at her sister, mother, and nana with no warning that something is upsetting her, can play with her barbie dolls for hours having them talk back and forth with no breaks in the conversation, when she is upset she will pull at her hair until some of it starts coming out if not immediately stopped, she has friends in the complex but is alienated by them due to her attitude and ideas of play.

Age 4: her grandfather passed away, mom broke up with boyfriend who she was very close to, had crying fits with no explanation, sever separation anxiety when being left at daycare or with Nana, having night mares 2-3 times per week on and off, told mom about sexual touching at fathers house (was investigated by MCFD and RCMP), Moved to a new house. Had no friends, but spoke and played with 'ghost girl',

Age 3: parents separated,father and step brother move to a new house, witnessed domestic violence by father against mother, sister and Nana, stuttering very pronounced, was a quiet child, who did not have any friends in the neighborhood, but did go to preschool but had no friends in preschool.

Dear Sandra

I don't see a question here but I can tell you with certainty that your child needs some help processing everything that is going on. It is always concerning to me when a young child threatens suicide and is nothing to be taken lightly. Hearing voices also might be an indication of some psychosis.

Please get your child some help with a professional who is well versed in working with trauma and mood disorders.

Good luck,

Sincerely

Kristen McClure