How to Deal with a Crying Toddler

It is no exaggeration to say that my youngest son cried for the first five years of his life. His constant crying made every aspect of life tough and had me questioning my parenting ability for many years. I can honestly say that if I had Ryan, the former crier, first he would have been an only child. My child had colic when he was a baby and by the time he reached toddlerhood, this kind of crying behavior was all he knew. Experience is the best teacher and through my experience, I learned a lot. Learn how to deal with a crying toddler and save your sanity.

Crying Vs Talking

Once pain and discomfort is officially ruled out, you'll have to come to the understanding that your child cries because it is what he knows. Now is the time to teach a child to talk rather than cry to get what he wants. Here's what to do. Even if you know what the child wants, do not give it to him until he tries to speak. Say, "Ryan, I know your crying because you want this toy. I will give you the toy but you need to say, "toy." Once he said, "toy" or whatever word I asked for, I gave him the item he wanted. Teach him to talk to ask for things rather than throwing a fit for them.

Label His Feelings

Next, you will need to guide your child to think about his feelings. You may have to talk over her screams but do it anyway. When the child is crying say, "Susie, I know you're crying because you want to stay up. You are disappointed aren't you?" It may not stop the tears but labeling feelings is an important stop to maturing a child who cries.

Ignore the Manipulator

Sometimes it isn't immaturity or language that is the problem. There will be occasions when a child cries in order to manipulate you. He wants another move, another cookie or his way. You'll have to bear the crying in these circumstances. Try not to respond at all with discipline or rewards.

Lighten Up

If you spank your child or place him in time out every time he cries, the chronic crier will be there all the time. Lighten up on the discipline. Force won't work with a chronic crier, you'll have to recondition the behavior using a mental approach.

Quality Time Vs Child Management

You'll spend lots of time talking to your child when guiding him into new behaviors. This is not quality time. Save some quality time to spend with your child doing something fun like coloring or blowing bubbles. These moments will build your parent-child relationship and help your little one see you as more than a disciplinarian.