Babies cry to communicate a variety of needs from hunger to needing to be changed. When we parent babies we expect our fair share of crying. We understand a baby had no other way to communicate wants and needs. While crying can be frustrating and exhausting for both mom and baby, we know that it will end. One day our baby will have the ability to communicate wants and needs verbally and thus crying episodes will not be prevalent. We soon realize that toddlers also cry for needs and wants as we go through fussy and tantrum stages. Toddlers are just getting their feet wet in this big world so we expect the tears to flow. But do they still cry during the preschool years?
Well, I have some bad news. Children of all ages cry. Adults will cry. Crying is a part of life. We cannot expect a child to have more self control than an adult. There are times adults “throw tantrums”, get disappointed, hurt, and prideful. The crying does not miraculously end at a certain age. Crying will decrease as a child learns better methods of communication.
Handling a crying preschooler is not the same as a baby or a toddler. A preschooler has the cognitive ability to work through disappointment. A preschooler understands that crying is not the best way to get your wants answered. A parent need not ban crying all together. I know many children who get in trouble for the mere act of crying unless they are hurt. A child does not need to feel as if crying is weak or babyish. Crying is an expression of emotion. At the same time, a child needs to learn that crying must be controlled and not every circumstance merits crying. A child should learn when crying is acceptable and when it is not. It should be taught that crying is never acceptable to get something or because something was denied. However, physical and mental pain may cause tears. In addition, tears and tantrums are not one in the same. The goal is to teach a child to be healthy on an emotional level. Guide your child and listen to the reasons behind the tears.