Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Emotional Excitabilities?

I can't be of any help b/c now I'm just as confused as you are. Yesterday DS2 cried for 30 minutes hysterically until he fell asleep on the carpet against the wall b/c he didn't want his shoes on. I assumed it was just b/c he's 2. I'm not sure if there is a hard line that distinguishes "normal" age-related behavior from OE.

In my opinion, does it matter why she exhibits Emotional OE? Not all overly emotionally sensitive kids are GT, nor do all GT kids have OE. I think you just have to be sensitive to the child's needs and help them learn to cope with what they are feeling and to teach them socially acceptable coping skills.

Sengifted has an article about the 5 OE's and strategies for dealing with them.

Edited to add the specific article link

DS had such long and intense tantrums as a toddler, I began to look forward to them. I figured as long as he was screeming, i knew exactly where he was and what he was doing, so I'd make myself a cup of tea and relax or I'd use it as a chance to get some work done! Perhaps is sounds callous, but the truth was there was nothing I could do except let it run its course and then give him a big hug and snuggle when he felt better. I think his longest one I timed at 50 minutes, but 30 was pretty common, certainly enough time to get some things done around the house without him interupting me!

That's funny ACS. That is exactly how I felt about my dd's tantrums when she was little (they only happened about every six months but they could last over one hour).

One of my favorites -

dd: in her room screaming to the top of her lungs "I don't want anything you ever bought for me" (starts getting off her clothes because she doesn't want anything I got for her to "touch her"). I leave her in her room and go about my activities. After about half an hour I go check on her. She is completely nude and completely destroying her room (books on the floor, toys all over - you get the picture). I quietly leave the room. About twenty minutes later she comes out (dressed), gives me a hug, apologizes and says "I guess I better go clean my room".

She has outgrown those outburst, but they sure were interesting while they lasted.

Wow! How old was she?

I'm so impressed with the way you handled it. I'm not sure I'd have been able to show such BRILLIANT forebearance.

She was around 5 at the time.

I used to work with Autistic kids and also in a respite center for abused children before my dd was born, so I can keep a calm demeanor thru just about anything.

Besides, since those outbursts only happened about twice a year, I considered myself very lucky. They always seemed to happen when she was going thru a growth spur. I think it was her way of testing limits. She has learned now that trantrums don't work and she doesn't try them anymore.

Now I am starting to see the pre teen attitude sometimes, not very often though and usually has been limited to the roll of the eyes. My dd in general is a very sweet, well behaved child.

I've been a lurker for awhile the last few feeks, because we haven't had our son tested yet. But reading through everything, I can relate so much to everyone's posts, I'm getting nervous. But re: this topic, I'm wondering if anyone had the experience I've had. DS4 never had tantrums until he was about 3.5 years. I was thinking it was because he was verbal so early, he never got frustrated about anything - he could just ask for what he wanted. But after 3.5, things have gone crazy! If DS4 doesn't get whatever he wants, he is a terror. I'm having to learn a little late about discipline, I guess, because he was so sweet when younger. I don't know if this is a type of OE or just lack of discipline by me. Either way, it's no fun at all.

Although, on the sensory side, we did have to cut out every tag on every shirt, and make sure the seams in his socks weren't bugging him since he was 1. He still will only wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, even if it's over 90 degrees out!

My DS7 started throwing tantrums when he was 4 months old. It was AWFUL!!! When he was about 2 we'd go to the store and he'd be throwing stuff out of the cart as fast as I'd put it in. When he was 3 he banged his head on his bed and actually hit the foot board and knocked a tooth loose. Did I mention awful??? But now he is 7 and he does not throw fits any more and behaves very well at school - in fact he'd die if he ever got in trouble at school and has just calmed down over all. He can still be intense but at least he doesn't throw fits any more. So for those of you with younger kids, there is hope down the line!!!

It was such a shock to me as DS10 NEVER once in his life threw a fit. He was so verbal and could understand at such an early age and could be reasoned with that he just never had tantrums. But I do think alot of it is personality. He is very laid back and a go with the flow kind of guy. My DS7 is much more intense.

I've always tried to put the good spin on both of my kids abilities. DS7 is the one I've always said would be the one to change the world because of his stubborness and drive. DS10 will be the one to do something in the creative field. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out!