Key Takeaways 

• Children who seem to cry over everything may struggle to develop appropriate emotional regulation skills. 

• While some children are highly sensitive, others may display these behaviors due to other factors, such as stress or other underlying conditions. 

• You can help your child cope with intense feelings by teaching emotional regulation skills and seeking professional help if necessary.

Every child occasionally struggles with emotional regulation. However, if your child frequently has tearful outbursts, you might be worried that something else is behind those tears.

By understanding the reasons behind your child's crying, you can help them manage their emotions and decrease their outbursts.

Why Do Some Children Cry Over Everything?

There are several potential reasons why some children cry more frequently than others, including temperament, stress, and, occasionally, a desire for attention.

Emotional Sensitivity and Temperament

Some children who are often tearful are born more sensitive than their peers. This personality trait causes your child to process internal and external stimuli more deeply than others.

Research indicates that babies identified as having sensitive temperaments will usually retain sensitive personality traits throughout their lifespan.

Each child has a unique temperament. While some are resilient in the face of setbacks, others are much more reactive or sensitive. A reactive child is more prone to emotional outbursts, including frequent crying.

Anxiety and Stress Factors

If your child is emotionally sensitive, they are more likely to experience stress. Their fight, flight or freeze response may also activate more easily, impacting their ability to calm down from these states.

Some children are naturally more anxious than others. Anxious children often respond more intensely to everyday situations. If your child's tearfulness appears to be linked to anxiety, teaching them effective coping strategies can help them manage overwhelming feelings.

Attention-Seeking vs. Genuine Emotional Distress

 Excessive crying can indicate attention-seeking behavior. In these situations, your child may cry when they see you engaged in another activity or when they realize that this behavior helps them get what they want.

However, children are experiencing genuine emotional distress when they cry. An overly emotional child may feel genuine distress more often than others for minor disappointments and setbacks.

Strategies To Help Your Child Manage Their Emotions 

It can be tempting for parents to jump in and intervene every time their child cries. However, stepping in every time your child gets upset about something might cause them to lose confidence in their problem-solving skills.

Fortunately, several strategies can help you assist your child in managing their emotions.

Teach Emotional Regulation Skills 

Your child's ability to manage strong emotions depends on their age and developmental stage. However, you can assist your child in developing emotional regulation skills that will allow them to feel more in control of their feelings and reactions.

Here are some suggestions to help your child cultivate emotional awareness and learn healthier coping skills: 

• Validate their feelings - Brushing off your child's emotions when they're upset can worsen the situation. It's important to listen to and validate their emotions, even when their intensity may not make sense to you.

• Help them recognize emotions - When reading a book together or watching a show, you can start a conversation by asking your child how they think a character feels. This activity can also help them recognize and label their own emotions.

• Teach them deep breathing techniques - Deep breathing techniques can help your child calm down when they're upset. Teach them how to breathe in slowly through their nose and out through their mouth. Encourage them to try this strategy whenever they feel overwhelmed.

• Count to calm down - Counting is a simple yet effective way to help your child relax, and they can do it anywhere. For example, they can count the tiles on the floor or simply count numbers silently in their head.

Remember, as a parent, you are your child's strongest role model. Seeing you handle difficult moments calmly and appropriately may inspire them to do so, too.

Encourage Problem-Solving Instead of Crying 

The next time your child begins crying over something small, do not draw attention to their tears. Validate their feelings and redirect their behavior to solving the problem at hand. 

For example, if your child is crying because you didn't buy their favorite snack at the store, acknowledge their disappointment. However, let them know they must find something else that works for now.

If they find another snack (even if there are some tears or whining), consider it a success. Praise their ability to solve the problem and say something like, "I can see that was tough for you, but I'm glad you were able to find a different snack you enjoy."

By not dwelling on the tears, they will understand that crying didn't help them solve the issue, but working on a solution did.

Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

It can be quite tempting to bend the rules when managing a highly sensitive or tearful child. However, if you make too many exceptions, it becomes difficult for your child to learn how to manage their emotions in the long run.

It's important to explain to your child what your behavioral expectations are and be clear and consistent with these rules.

Use Positive Reinforcement and Comforting Techniques 

Giving your child consistent positive attention for their efforts to problem solve and regulate their emotions can provide immediate feedback that boosts their confidence.

Be descriptive with your praise (such as handling disappointment with fewer tears or outbursts) to continue supporting their emotional and social development. 

In addition, make sure to highlight their strengths along the way. Oftentimes, sensitive children are empathetic, thoughtful and aware of other people's emotions. Verbal praise, small rewards and attentive listening can all help reinforce positive behaviors.

When To Seek Help for Excessive Crying

If your child often cries over everything, first consult their pediatrician to rule out potential medical issues or other triggers (like a change in routine).

If there are no obvious physical concerns, then your child may be highly sensitive and need a little extra support in managing their emotions.

Therapy and Professional Support Options

For therapy to be effective, make sure your child's therapist is aware of their heightened sensitivity to their emotions and environment.

This way, they can create a tailored therapeutic approach. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to help your child manage overwhelming emotions. These techniques may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This approach helps highly sensitive children recognize and challenge their negative thought patterns that may contribute to their emotional distress. It also teaches them coping strategies to help manage their emotions.

• Occupational Therapy - Occupational therapy assists children in managing their emotions and sensory processing through sensory integration techniques. This process allows them to feel more comfortable in their environment.

• Play Therapy - Play therapy can be extremely beneficial for highly sensitive children. This technique allows children to address anxieties and difficult situations by using toys to express their emotions and tell their stories. Through play therapy, your child can learn healthier ways to express themselves when they are struggling with big feelings.

Bottom Line

Parenting an emotionally sensitive child can be challenging. Emora Health is committed to helping you find the right counselor to address your child's mental health needs.

By starting your search for a therapist today, you are taking the first step in helping your child learn how to manage their emotions in a healthier, more positive manner.