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While I am sure that some 2nd and 3rd graders "dream of running away", how many plan it out with a friend, steal a parent's credit card, pack food & clothes and then run away? I really doubt that is what you and your husband did as kids, at least not at that young age.
You think kids can't figure out they need some food and clothes and money and pack a bag? Sure they can. I had a whole diary and checklist of stuff I would need (this phase was probably later when I was older), and we even thought we might steal the neighbor's horses so we could ride up into the hills. My mom's feelings were hurt when she found the diary, but she didn't decide we needed to be institutionalized. We were probably grounded for awhile.
Kids rebel against limits! Always have, and always will. That's nothing new. Freaking out and putting them into counseling for it is new.
You think kids can't figure out they need some food and clothes and money and pack a bag? Sure they can. I had a whole diary and checklist of stuff I would need (this phase was probably later when I was older), and we even thought we might steal the neighbor's horses so we could ride up into the hills. My mom's feelings were hurt when she found the diary, but she didn't decide we needed to be institutionalized. We were probably grounded for awhile.
Kids rebel against limits! Always have, and always will. That's nothing new. Freaking out and putting them into counseling for it is new.
I think most of us at some point planned running away as kids. Not many of us acted on it.
I wanted to run away when I was VERY young. Younger than 8. I would beg my cousin to run away and she said "I like living here". It was a romantic notion of ... whatever. I don't know why.
Again my standard answer - put her on a horse. Get her away from anyone she can influence and/or bully. Horses don't put up with that mess. Get her straight now dad.
You are trying yo stay on track and discipline her but mom won't be on your side so that's issue1. Daughter plays favorites. 2 stop asking who's to blame. Your daughter has her own personality and she's very bad bully and she needs help..mental help.
Can't argue with this. It gives her the freedom and strength and independence she seeks that is real and authentic and much better than time spent with a counselor blowing very normal feelings out of proportion.
Horses are good for young girls. Maybe young boys too, but I'm most familiar with me, at that age.
I tried to run away when I was 6. I packed my bag and was ready to go. I looked out my window and had forgotten the landscaping was rocks. I didn't want to land on the rocks. It took me years later to understand that you don't have to go out a window to run away. I could have walked out the front door, but didn't understand that at the time.
I sat in my room for a long time trying to figure out a way to land on rocks without getting hurt. Mom made Mac 'n Cheese, and all was better in the world.
Others are concentrating on the running away....I'm more concerned about her very aggressive/violent behavior with classmates and her lying and lack of concern and empathy. Sounds like early sociopathic behavior and THAT is what you need to see a child psychologist for. Not a "therapist" - but a full-blown PhD psychologist.
I agree with the others in that you need to seek professional help and parent counseling. You and your wife are sending mixed messages and you need to be on the same page.
This us a tough read, but you need to be aware of all the possibilities. A child psychiatrist's evaluation is a must here.
I couldn't make it through the whole story...but I wouldn't jump to psychopath. Sure, there are traits mentioned here that match. But psychopathology is rare. The article totally glossed over the girl's childhood trauma.
RAD or other attachment issues, anxiety, depression, early childhood trauma, bi-polar, adjustment disorder, etc are all much more likely. And treatable.
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