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It’s normal for children to cry, and some cry more than others. It’s also normal for a parent to be frustrated by a child who sheds tears often, particularly when they can’t figure out why their little one is crying.
Here are some major reasons why your child may be crying:
- Seeking attention
- Hungry
- Stressed
- Wants to escape a demand
- Fatigued
- Wants something
- Overstimulated
- In some cases, an underlying medical issue like an underlying ear infection that’s causing pain. 1
- Some tantrums are associated with developmental problems such as delayed language skills or hearing or vision difficulties 2.
Crying can also be healthy at any age. A 2011 study published in the journal of research and personality found there are many circumstances in which crying helps people feel better 3.
The years from age three to six are an emotionally turbulent time. Your child may swing between extremes. He wants more independence, but he also suffers from separation anxiety, now more than ever it’s important for you to be calm, compassionate and consistent with how you handle these obstacles when your child has an outburst.
To cope with tantrums:
- Showing him/her how fatigued and upset you are won’t help and physical or verbal aggression will only teach your child to be aggressive.
- Do not give in or your child will repeat this behavior.
- Take your child to a quiet place. Let him/her express his/her feelings and you be accepting.
- Say you understand that he/she is upset but this is not a solution, provide alternative options that he/she can choose from.
- Talk to your child once the tempest has passed pointing out what he could have done differently.
There is simply no shortcut to the hard work of teaching your child how to manage his emotions and correcting him when he fails. 4
It is a learning process for you and for them.
Dr Monique Zgheib
Pediatrician
