Is It Normal for Toddlers to Cry So Much?

Updated on March 17, 2008
T.T. asks from Vernon Hills, IL
5 answers

I have a toddler (2 yr, 4 months). She is kind of a sensitive girl. She cries when she bumps herself, even if it's just a slight bump. She is our first child. (I also have a 4 month old girl.) I have read about toddlers throwing tantrums and thought that I was lucky. "My girl always behaved!" Until recently...she is displaying her need to control EVERYTHING! And her response to most things is to cry (with tears) or whine. She cries when she doesn't want me to change her diaper, get dressed, have breakfast, lunch, dinner...I think you get the idea. She could be perfectly happy when she wakes up and I hear her playing in her room, but as soon as I walk in to start the day, she starts the crying. She is also very compliant when the nanny is talking to her, but if it's me, she won't stop. Is this normal? It's starting to wear on me and I'm having a hard time dealing with it. I try to speak to her calmly to calm her down, but she won't listen to what I'm saying. How do you deal with this? Is she just being "2" or is there something more going on here? Thank you.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

Like the others said, it is normal for toddlers to cry and whine. It's a way of communicating too, even if she's talking, they will still cry, and take in mind she is a girl and they are more emotional. Not trying to make you feel guilty because i understand completely on all angles of having to work, whether it's financial or just for you. You're working makes it difficult for her as well, and i am sure she became comfortable with you being around when you were on leave for the new baby. 1. Give her a little time & space. 2. Try to plan something with her at least twice a week that only you two do, maybe the wonderful husband can take care of baby. 3. Let her help with baby, getting pampers, and other things in her reach. Hope this helps.

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A.G.

answers from Nashville on

I don't think it's you!! I think that she is going through some tough times (a new sibling), and it's socially acceptable behavior for a 2 year old to cry, so she's doing that. I went through something similar (had kids 25 months apart), but my oldest took our her frustrations in different ways (I won't get into them, but they were worse than crying!!). That year with a 2 year old and a baby was really rough, so you are not alone.
Here are some things that helped me:
- When she is crying (or other bad behavior) try to ignore it. I know it sounds crazy, but act as if she's not doing it. Try that for a week to see if it helps. Don't ignore her, just he behavior. It's not easy to do, but it did work for me.
- Try to catch her being good. Give her tons of praise. Really load it on. She is starving from it, since she has to split your time with the baby. Every kid goes through it when a sibling comes along, but a 2 year old has a harder time really understanding it.
- Schedule time to do something just with her (if possible!) on a regular basis. This was a big help for me.
- Talk through her feelings with her as much as possible. As she talks more and more, it will help.
- Try to make time for yourself. I had a secret confession when I was going through what you are going through - I didn't even want to be around my daughter. I felt awful about it. Now I know that she is a wonderful little girl that went through a rough patch. Don't feel a bit guilty about taking a breather so you can face her with a positive attitude.

This will totally pass and you will be so happy you have kids close together in age! They will play together and have so much fun. Hang in there!!

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K.C.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not sure how verbal your daughter is yet but my 2yr old son becomes calmer when we can talk about his feelings. It may sound a little corny but the more you validate their feelings, the healthier their emotions become. With regard to the control issue, this is a good sign that her independence is emerging :-). If you are calm and consistent with your approach, she WILL learn to behave again. Hang in there!
PS. Don't forget she is only 2 and needs a lot of reassurance from Mom about all the recent changes with the new baby. Most toddlers will regress in some way following the birth of a new baby (especially when the baby is more awake and more demanding of Mom's time).

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D.V.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, totally normal! My dd is 2y 8m is pretty similar....but is, dare I say, growing out of it bit.

It frustrates me when my husband says she is spoiled.....evidently, he does not remember when our twins went through this stage. It will pass though, & you can move on to the next 'phase'

I guess my only advice would be to try let her have as much control as possible. For example, let her 'try' to dress herself, & let her have as many opportunities to make her own choices, like color of cup.
I know it is not always easy to do with a new baby, but hang in there!

* SAHM to 5 y/o b/g twins & a 2.5 year old girl

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

It's you. I don't mean it's your fault, but she's doing it for your benefit and there is nothing you can do about it. Just don't give in to it. I think my daughter whined and cried until she was about 5. We have pictures of her smiling, but I seriously don't remember a very happy child. Part of it (which was my situation as well) is her wanting attention because of the baby. There is really nothing you can do about that other than show her that she is getting attention too. Also, getting a sitter helps. I found that I had to get away a lot. I felt so guilty, but it's better than taking your frustrations out on her (I don't mean physically). They out grow it and you forget (some). My whiner is now a truly amazing 11 year old. It's hard to believe she's the same person. You're at a tough time. Just hang in there.

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