How to Get Toddlers to Use Words Instead of Crying
Crying and tantrums are common parts of toddlerhood. While this is a normal aspect of growing up, it can be stressful for you and your child if you cannot communicate. Teaching your toddler how to use words rather than crying can help to reduce tantrums and encourage your child to express his thoughts before a meltdown occurs.
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Instructions
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Determine why your child is crying. If she is trying to get her way, ignoring the outburst until she calms down is often ideal. However, if she is frustrated or upset, comforting her until she relaxes is often the best choice.
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Use simple words to explain your toddler's feelings. One of the primary causes of crying in toddlers is their inability to convey their emotions any other way. As a child moves from babyhood, where crying is his primary means of communication, to toddlerhood, he needs you to teach him words for his emotions. If your toddler is angry, describe his emotion for him when he calms down. It can also be helpful to have him practice saying the words for how he was feeling.
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Repeat back what she says. Once your child begins to learn the words for how she is feeling, this can help her know you understand. For example, if your toddler says, "Hurt my toe," respond by saying, "Oh, did you hurt your toe?" and point to the body part. This helps her make a connection between what happened and words, and also lets her know that she's communicating her feelings effectively, which can relieve a lot of her frustration.
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Ask simple questions. As your child begins to learn how to talk instead of cry, it can be helpful to ask him what is happening when he is crying. This is often enough to distract him from the tears and encourage talking.
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Don't respond to tantrums. Once you know that your child is capable of expressing herself without tears, make it clear that crying without reason will not get attention. If your child begins crying because she is not getting her way or trying to do something she is not supposed to, let her know that you will talk when she stops crying. Stay in eyesight to ensure she doesn't hurt herself, but do not try to coddle the tears. Once she realizes that she will only get your attention, something she wants, by talking, the tears will begin to taper off.
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References
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