Oh Gigi! I've just seen your initial post! How unsettling, worrying, sickening, plus so much more.
I felt a huge sense of reassurance that you've already sought professional help from outside.
Until then, if this was me and my DD, i'd make a bigger effort at home (and I know you make a super HUGE effort with Bilby anyway ) to google 'positive, self affirming tasks for children' or other activities that focus on the 'All about Me' side of her. I will also hunt for some enriching activities later and pass them on to you.
A bit about me. At the age of 7 years, I also fantasised the same morbid thoughts, not because I desired to die, but I *think* because I was so aware of immortality at such a young age. I used to imagine 'how' I would do die, the circumstances behind my death, and other people's reactionsto my death etc It is very morbid. As a young child, I would also draw images of my grave & write eulogies! I was sent to a psych, again. It was put down to a death in my family, that I had struggled to cope with and understand.
I suppose what i'm trying to say is, the idea has come to her from somewhere, and she is perhaps exploring the notion of immortality also.
Let me know how you go, and I will send some activites through soon xx
BellyBelly Life Member - Love all your MCN friends
Jun 2004
The Festival State
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cass72 - bilby doesn't have much access to tv (only ABC2 in limited doses), no electronic games, no computer etc.
Her dad often takes her on bike rides thru a local cemetery, which i'm sure, heightens her awareness of death and dying. He has alot of trouble discerning what is and what is not "age appropriate" conversations and topics, to discuss with a 6yo - i'm not there when these occur, so hard for me to know exactly what he's talking about with her, i just get to find out bits and bobs from her.
She doesn't use the word "suicide" as such. But i agree, all these things she IS saying, could be a cry for help. She seems angry and depressed - i think she feels totally powerless, to get her mum and dad to live together in same house again - which is true - she wants it, it's not going to happen. She feels powerless to have more family, wants siblings, wants grandparents, wants cousins to play with - none of this is going to happen.
i think the bullying she has experienced at school, has had an effect to, like a "giving up". Like she values herself less now. (after ONE year at school, in Reception for crying out loud).
sunny - i would be very interested to hear about the enriching activities you mention, thanks so much.
Just quickly, i'll be able to add to this post later when kids are in bed (and asleep!)
Synopsis of a 6 year olds development:
Emotional Awareness
Six-year-olds will become more aware of emotions -- both their own as well as those of others. They may understand sophisticated concepts such as how to be careful about not hurting someone’s feelings by, saying something critical about them directly to that person.
Confidence and Insecurity
For many 6-year-olds, the centre of the universe will, for all intents and purposes, still be them. Six-year-olds will regale others with stories about themselves, and will naturally expect others to be as interested in them as they are. They will be proud of their accomplishments and talents, and will want to share their artwork, physical abilities, and other things about themselves that they feel make them stand out and be special. It will be up to parents to guide children and teach them about the fine line between confidence and boasting. At the same time, they will feel insecure, and will want praise from others. Six-year-olds may want to do things perfectly, and may be hard on themselves if their performance isn’t as good as they wanted it to be (if they lose at a game or can’t seem to get a picture to look just the way they wanted it to, for instance). They will want to fit in, and will want their friends at school to approve of the things they do. Six-year-olds may have a hard time accepting criticism or admonishments, and may be more sensitive to discipline. Much of this insecurity will stem from a 6-year-old’s natural move toward independence. Parents can help by being aware of this push and pull, and can help their child feel better about forging ahead more on their own by providing a comforting atmosphere at home where kids can feel secure in daily routines and reassurances of love and understanding.
Social & emotionally enriching activities for a 6 year old: To be added to continually! Role playing activities simulate real-life situations that involve emotional or social development. Children are able to practice handling situations they might encounter, such as a peer who won't share a toy or a child who is bullying. The children act out how they could handle the situation in a socially acceptable way, keeping the emotions of the other person in mind. Instead of acting out the situation themselves, kids can use puppets, dolls or action figures. Dress-up play, where kids pretend to be another person, also works well. The extent of the role playing should depend on the age of the kids and their emotional and social development levels. Their is no right or wrong in role play, we simply observe, interact when guided to by the child, and facilitate new social strategies to explore.
Creative play time activities let young children express emotions they may have difficulty verbalising. Painting a picture or playing with clay are two examples of art projects to facilitate social and emotional development. Other ideas include body movement & expression, music and sensory activities. Kids are able to use creativity freely during these times, expressing their own thoughts and ideas.
BellyBelly Life Subscriber
to you and your little girl.
) to google 'positive, self affirming tasks for children' or other activities that focus on the 'All about Me' side of her. I will also hunt for some enriching activities later and pass them on to you.
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