[Trippin2.0]

My father passed away in January, my 6y.o and he were exceptionally close, he was her dad too.

Over the pass few months, she has cried maybe 3 TIMES, and communicated her anger (calmly) over his abrupt passing. ( Stroke + Heart Failure)
She has made it VERRY clear that she will not be openly sad or discuss her feelings about his passing b/c she does not want to upset me or my mother. She flat out refuses

I didn't know what to make of her decision, but recently she's been having trouble sleeping, I think her buried feeling just got exhumed, and it's manifesting in her sleep.

She screams and cries for him every night, despite the sleep aid the Dr provided, needless to say she wakes up exhausted and does NOT look forward to school...
She used to be very sweet and laid back, now she's snappish, irritable and cries at the drop of a hat.

My hands are tied as she won't open up to me, I feel inadequate...

IS it possible that she is suffering from PTSD 8 MONTHS LATER? and at the age of 6?? More importantly, whatever the label... HOW DO I HELP HER?

Looking forward to your input

[michele#3]

Yes, children at the age of 6 can have PTSD. I myself had it by the age of 4. My advice for now is to mention your concerns to your mother. It sounds like your sister needs to see a therapist.
With therapy PTSD can be sucessfully treated.

[Nupoet64]

It could be, depending on other factors, but a doc would need to talk with ehr and decide that. However, she is grieving. Everyone grieves differently. And a child is a small person. She is trying to be strong for you, but she is still a hurting little girl.

Maybe color with her and just chat. A child will normally open up when not pushed or feeling threatened in some way...like worrying about hurting you. Maybe share with her your sadness or how it is ok to be sad...if she opens the topic. Maybe go for ice cream or something she enjoys doing. Just be there for her.

Not sleeping well makes anyone irritable and snappy. It is no different with a child. Maybe find a child T that can be an impartial person for her to open up with.

Everyone deals with grief at their own pace too. It can be delayed, as in 8 months later. That is not uncommon. Children often grieve through play, so that is where I would start. I would find someone for her to talk with adn play with her. Uninterrupted playtime with just the two of you. Maybe find a childrens book about loss and grief and read it with her.

It may take more than one attempt, but let her lead the conversation. Let her express what is stressing her. Love her and let her know you are there for her.

I hope this helps in some small way. Good luck.

i agree with nupoet 64. could be a combo of a lot. but a T would be very helpful. kids (especially that young) process things much differently. a T knows how to pull it out. thru coloring, games etc. and if she's protective of you, she might not open up to you. that's the way my daughter was in a different situation. she was little older, 5 grade, but still couldn't get her to talk about. but child therapists know what to do. give it a try. but its important to find one she likes and can be comfortable with. with my daughter we changed 3 times. good luck