Hi It sounds to me like your daughter is in some kind of distress ,kids don't play up for no reason there's always a reason and whether its because she's missing her mum (most likely cause) wants more of your attention or being bullied a bit in school the sooner you can get this sorted the better ,I doubt it will go away without intervention , to me what stands out is the fact after losing her mum her dad is not there as often as she needs you to be she probably feels very insecure ,I don't think its about spending money on her either I think she'd be just as happy spending time with you knowing that she's loved and safe , I don't know how you can work it but maybe by being there sometimes to take her to school or pick her up having tea with her during the week not just spending money on her on a weekend trying to make up for not being there ,I have a 9 year old grandaughter these are the most precious years of a childs life and you can't get them back ,I think you will regret it if you don't act now ,maybe you could sit down with her and make plans for the week writing down a plan so she knows when you will be around to pick her up play a game go to the park or have a meal ,it can be done , she could be stroppy because she doesn't know what's happening and is scared ,I hope you can work it out ,money is important but not as important as your child .

Hi Rob , how awful for you all to be dealing with this . Your daughter seems to be hitting out because she’s trying to deal with her feelings . I think she needs reassurance that you are there for her and love her , but don’t be emotionally blackmailed into buying her things. I would consider bereavement counselling for her . She must be feeling so lost and sad . I don’t know if Maggie’s would be able to help you ,your partner and your daughter . Please ring them to see if they can help x