My daughter threatened to commit suicide

Dear Pastor,

I have two children. One is four years old and the other is one year old. I am writing to you with a heavy heart and a confused mind. My four-year-old daughter was having a discussion about things that are not appropriate for little girls to wear. She said that she wanted to wear an anklet and I began to explain to her that that was not for a little girl. As usual, she began bringing up her points, saying that she is not a little girl. She told me that she is a big girl because she is tall and she can do this and do that. At the end of the discussion, out of the blue she said "me a go murda mi self". I was so frightened when I heard what she said that I slapped her on her hand and I began to cry. My heart melted to hear my baby say such a terrible thing. My daughter is a brilliant child. She has an excellent memory and is more brilliant than a normal four-year-old. Her father and I try our very best to support her with a stable family environment.

R.

Dear R.,

You have to be firm with your daughter but your husband has to support you. She has to learn from now that it's not every request she makes that will be granted.

You tried to explain to her that an anklet is not something for children to wear and because she was denied, she threatened to kill herself. I can understand why you responded by slapping her. It is unfortunate that you reacted that way but I do understand that you did so out of shock. She wants to have her own way and she might attempt suicide if she doesn't have her own way, but at the same time, it is your responsibility to counsel her and even seek professional help when you believe that she wants to have her way. Please be firm and it will not hurt at all if you are able to take her to see a psychologist. I believe that you and your husband have tried to do your very best for your children. You have my prayers, don't give up.

Pastor