Parenting Insights
By Laura Jenkins
Updated: June 3, 2021
Originally Published: Oct. 24, 2019
I often reflect on how challenging second grade was for me. This difficulty was partly due to personal circumstances, including my parents’ divorce and transitioning to a new school. Other tough moments occurred before and after that year, but it was during this time that I struggled the most to process everything. I was irritable, unable to sleep, and perpetually anxious.
I vividly recall lying in bed at night, consumed by worry over trivial matters, like a trade of Garbage Pail Kids cards on the playground that I later learned was against the rules. I would fixate on such minor issues, and they could easily send me spiraling into a bad mood. I remember my mother suggesting I lock myself in my room, toss some pillows around, and vent my frustrations.
It wasn’t until I observed my own son going through a similar experience in second grade that I really understood this behavior. I couldn’t initially fathom what was happening with him, and he was equally puzzled. There were days he would come home from school in tears, and on his worst days, he’d lash out, throwing things for no apparent reason. It felt like I was dealing with a toddler again, only he was eight! For a couple of months, I was genuinely concerned and unsure of how to help.
Then, just as abruptly as it began, his moodiness dissipated, and I noticed he had grown taller and appeared more mature. I recalled experiencing similar mood swings during my own growth spurts.
However, it turns out there’s more at play here than just growth. Children aged 6-8 undergo a physiological change known as “adrenarche.” This hormonal transition lays the groundwork for puberty in years to come. Unlike puberty, adrenarche lacks visible external signs; instead, it manifests primarily through emotional fluctuations and difficulty managing feelings.
Research published in BMC Pediatrics highlights that adrenarche is a natural phase that all children experience, marking the start of puberty’s progression, although the visible effects may not appear for a couple more years. Experts define adrenarche as the initial hormonal phase in the pubertal process, generally commencing around age 8, characterized by increased adrenal androgen production.
What Does This Mean for Your Second and Third Graders?
While some may notice signs like heightened body odor or a mild form of acne, the most common symptom appears to be that intense moodiness many parents recognize.
“Adrenal androgens are neurosteroids that influence emotional processing pathways,” explained Dr. Mark Thompson, one of the study’s researchers, in Parents Magazine. He further noted that understanding adrenarche is crucial as it lays the emotional and metabolic foundations for adolescence.
So, it’s not merely moodiness; it’s part of a significant development phase where children begin to form their self-identity, which can undoubtedly be a tumultuous journey.
However, when faced with an 8-year-old who screams for an hour over a bagel (true story), it can be hard to see the beauty in this growth process. It’s essential to remember that when our kids are acting out for seemingly no reason, we should offer them grace. Their brains and bodies are undergoing numerous changes, some of which are not as apparent as puberty or widely recognized, like the infamous “terrible twos.”
If your 6- to 8-year-old is pushing your patience to the limit, rest assured this phase is normal, and you are not alone in this experience. Of course, if concerning behaviors arise or if they struggle to function at home or school, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or mental health expert is advisable.
In the meantime, you can attribute their mood swings to adrenarche and know that this too shall pass. While you wait, pour yourself a glass of wine or indulge in some dark chocolate—you’ve earned it.
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Summary: Children aged 6-8 may exhibit moodiness due to adrenarche, a hormonal change marking the onset of puberty. While this can be challenging for parents, it’s a normal phase of development. Understanding this process can help parents navigate their child’s emotional ups and downs with more empathy and patience.