Child emotions
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Look a crying child in the eye, act serious, and tell them they are not allowed to laugh.
The confusion often causes them to smile and laugh.
2 people, independently
Comfort an upset child you know with empathy before attempting to distract them with toys or jokes.
Empathy goes a long way.
- Do not attempt this with random children or babies you do not know.
one person who lived it
Resist reacting immediately when a child falls; wait until they have decided if they are hurt.
This often prevents meltdowns as children may decide they are okay on their own.
- Sometimes a child may interpret lack of reaction as confirmation that they are not okay and start crying.
one person who lived it
Place the baby over your shoulder and pat their back instead of cradling them.
Cradling may cause the baby to seek feeding; this position may help them burp or sleep.
one person who lived it
Clap and tell a child 'good fall' after a minor tumble to encourage them to clap for themselves.
one person who lived it
Redirect a child's attention by expressing concern for the object they hit rather than the child.
It shifts their focus to the well-being of the object.
one person who lived it
Explain the situation to a toddler and tell them their options; if they still want to cry, let them cry until they get over it, reasoning with them afterward.
Reasoning with them seems to work almost always.
one person who lived it
Ensure the child urinates right before bed.
Needing to urinate during sleep may contribute to night terrors.
- One person's friend reported this eliminated their daughter's night terrors.
one person who lived it
Have a child squeeze your finger to demonstrate pain level, then act impressed by the strength of the squeeze.
It serves as a distraction.
one person who lived it
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Label the child's physical sensation and offer physical support, such as asking if they want a hug.
Young children may lack the language to express that something hurt.
one person who lived it
Tell a child they grow taller every time they fall and clap to celebrate the growth.
one person who lived it
Encourage children to get up by themselves after falling.
Constantly picking them up can lead to acquired helplessness.
one person who lived it
Claim to be allergic to whining and fake sneezes when a child starts whining to stop the behavior.
one person who lived it
Address underlying physical discomforts such as hunger, cold, or tiredness to resolve frustration-based crying.
Children cry when experiencing frustration caused by uncomfortable physical needs.
one person who lived it