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Stop Crying!
An Expert Shares Tips and Advice
By Elizabeth Pantley
Question:
Think about it:
When your son was a baby, his cries brought love and attention. He's just never learned how to replace the crying with more mature ways of calling for help. He'll need your help to learn how to change his behavior.
Don't demand that he stop: Don't say, "Stop crying," since that never works, and only makes you angry when your child cries harder! Instead, tell your child what you do want, "I need to hear your words. Tell me what's wrong. Use your big boy voice." Sometimes it helps to get him started, "Georgie, talk to me. Say, 'Mommy, I want...'"
Help him understand his feelings: Acknowledge the reason your child is crying to validate his feelings. "You're so frustrated because you want a cookie" or Want to see more?