How can you rate a child's level of frusation and determine if it's normal?

Question

8yo seems to become overly stressed and frustrated with many things. She reats physically - wringing her hands, stretching her body (legs), and the odd time hitting her forehead. Docs have said she's fine - but I want to help her. The type of things she gets frustrated with are having to brush her teeth, do homework, make bed. Also she gets frustrated when children don't understand her ideas (she's very creative) or don't want to play along with her games. She also gets frustrated when she doens't understand a concept right away.

She's not into yoga but we do some stretching and we get LOTS of excersize (walking and biking). We have healthy diets and she gets enough sleep. OH and we don't have tv.

I suppose she could just have a personality traits that I don't relate to, but I need to know how to assess her level of frustration and determine if I need to demand external help.

Answer 1

Be sure and praise her.... when she does come through!

Answer 2

OK, so she s bright, creative, healthy, and gets frustrated over things that most 8 yr old kids get frustrated over, i think you hit the nail right on the head. She has personality traits that you don't relate to... try enjoying watching her grow into her personality, she is not a science project. To assess her level of frustration talk to other parents that have 8 yr old kids, sounds like you are doing a great job getting her to do these things that frustrate her.
Normal is a setting on your dryer, relax, she s fine, you may be overly attentive, be happy, you are doing a fine job already. The hitting on the forehead, is she using a hammer, or is it more of a playful slap to the noggin? Wait 6 months, then review the situation, you may be "helping" her too much already, and that can be frustrating also. Please dont be demanding in this instance with the Dr. They may put a red flag on your file, not hers.

Answer 3

Put her in a dance class, music or art class. Give her something to do that will build up her self esteem and give her a creative outlet. It sounds like she might not fit in with a lot of the other kids and gets down on herself when she doesn't figure things out quickly. Typical low self esteem deal.

Perhaps she gets frustrated because she doesn't like brushing her teeth, doing her homework or making her bed. What eight year old does? Hell, I'm 23 and I still don't make my bed! I don't see the purpose, so don't worry too much about that.

Answer 4

I`m thirteen, and I do the same exact things, and more. Like when someone doesn`t use a shift key, or spell right, I freak (Thank you by the way, for not making my brain implode).

I don`t think its anything to worry about, ask her why she gets frustrated. As in, -why- it makes her angry.

Of course, theres a possibility it -could- get worse. I certainly has, in a way, with me. Sometimes when i`m frustrated I hit a wall or something. Just ask her whats up and see what she says, la. I`m not a doctor, so I can`t really offer anything TO helpful.

Answer 5

Your 8 yr. old would do well to be assessed by someone who sees her in a group of children her own age. Her school teacher &/or school counselor would be the first place I would search out an objective view point.
As a mother of 5, and having worked in with many children in scouts and church groups, I can understand your concern.

My observations of children with such characteristics, have seen excess frustration come from different sources. Your child may be too perfectionistic, or she may not quite understand and believe she can do specific things. Her stress level may be too high for her level of maturity.

You would do well to consult with another person who knows her.

As far as her interactions with other children, I have witnessed numerous home-schooled children who have not learned to interact appropriatly with children their own age, due to their lack of same-age socialization. Hence, the rejection and frustration in these cases is common.