How do you get a 2yr old to stop crying all the time?

Question

He cries for everything, and he cries for nothing...what do I do? I am losing my mind.

Answer 1

Sounds like he needs some discipline.
#1 Stick him in a corner when he cries without reason
(I define reason as blood, illness or fear)
#2 One minute in the corner for each year old he is. 2 year old, 2 minutes and increase with age.
#3 Encourage good habits by small rewards for asking for things instead of crying (not always giving a thing as a reward, a good word or a hug goes a long way)
#4 Make consequences for the child, there is nothing wrong with a smack on the butt or hand to make them understand what is going on. I NEVER can justify a hard hit or hitting the face etc. A little swat is plenty.
#5 Do not scream at your kid. Remain calm and decisive, when a child hears calm voices, they listen more and do not grow more agitated.

If this does not work, go to the pediatrician and make sure there is not a medical reason for the crying. Also, make sure the child gets a nap, plenty of sleep and proper nutrition. That can only help.

Answer 2

At some point in his life he has learned that crying gets him something - even negative attention is better than no attention as far as he is concerned. Find times when he is not crying and tell him what a big boy he was to use his words, or play by himself, or whatever he did while not crying. Clap and say "Yay" when he does the good stuff, and try a reward of a big boy chocolate (1 smartie) if he was really impressive. Pretend you can't understand him when he whines and cries, and then make a fuss of him when he tries to tell you his needs in another way. The terrible 2's will pass.

Answer 3

I used to baby sit a girl from the age of 1 and a half until the age of 4. She didn't used to cry alot. but when she did_I would tell her. If you don't stop, Friday I won't take you to McDonald's. Sometimes she would respond by saying, I don't want to go. Tell her ok. Then I'll go by myself with whomever. Then they show interest in being present on that day then listen.

There was a time that she would cry for everything. She wanted everything and wanted to share nothing. She would sometimes cry over nothing. I would give her water. I still give her water whenever I hear her crying when I see her. It sitll works. Don't give him what he asks for because then you acustom him in getting what he asks for. Let him earn it. Praise him. Promise then actually realize the promise. However little it might be. A piece of gum. A sticker. Whatever. He will test you. Don't hit him. If he disrespects you and if he is your son. I guess it's ok. If he isn't_then tell his parents so they can correct his behavior.
I don't know why but water used to shut the girl up. try it and let me know what happens. If he doesn't want to drink the water. Threaten to not allow him to do something he enjoys. Watching tv. going outside. Buying him a toy. Whatever. Actually keep your word. As badly as you might feel_it's good for him. Then tell him why you did it and what you expect from him. Tell him when he can be let off the hook. Why he needs to listen and how his disobedience towards you irritates you and how. In other words. Talk to him like a grown up and not a child.

Answer 4

My two year old daughter did and still does that every now and then. You need to show him you are the boss. I was letting my daughter get away with everything and babying her then I got to the point to where I wanted to get away. It was my own fault. She didn't know any better. I reward her for when she is good and I do punish her for screaming at me. Put him in time out. It works, but it will be a pain in the butt at first. Put a chair in a corner and put him in it when he cries. Then once he quits get him off it. Then repeat. Eventually he won't want to be in that chair. Keep putting him in it when he gets down till he stops. It will only get worse if you let him keep crying at you. He just wants attention!

Answer 5

First take him to a doctor to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with him. Once you've done that, find one thing that soothes him. I don't mean buying him something materialistic, I mean either a song, or rocking him, a warm bath, etc.

If he's crying to get something, chances are you give in and he now knows that how to get what he wants. You are going to have to change that. If he starts crying for something he wants, tell him no and by all means stick to that...don't give in or you'll just reinforce his behavior. Over time he'll realize it's not the way to get things. While you are doing this, it is really important that you find another way of having him ask for things. Teach him the word please. It's much easier to hear that, then to listen to him wail.

Babies that cry for no reason are either doing it in boredom out of habit, or they really are upset about something. Spend some one on one time with him. Study how he does things, what makes him mad, and what makes him happy. Then start adjusting your parenting plan to his needs. Such as if he's playing with a toy and he's frustrated with a part. He'll throw it down and start crying. Rather than let him cry, pick the toy back up, place it near him and show him the right way to do what he couldn't. Then stay with him and do it a few times until he's doing it on his own. Before you know it, if he can't get something right, he'll be bringing it to you to show him instead of crying about it.

I wish I had easy answers for you honey, but alot of times parenting comes as trial and error for us. Some things work for one, but don't work for others. I have five children and each one of them is different, so I had alot of learning lessons.

Please check with your doctor first. One of my sons went through this at about a year and a half and it was his ears that were bothering him. They are little and they can't tell you much, so you are going to have to get in tune with him.

If it gets to the point where you are about to lose it, put him in his crib and go outside where you can hear him until you can compose yourself. Don't ever forget that he's a baby and your the mother who is suppose to love and care for him. If you need a break, call a sitter or grandma for a few hours...it'll do you some good.

I wish you lots of luck and patience.

Answer 6

I have a 2 1/2 year old and 1 1/2 when they cry for no reason i ignore them. I know it sounds mean but they just do it for all the attention they can get. My daughter and son doesn't do it anymore. Just buy a gate for his door to his room and put him in it to play for 15 - 20 min twice a day, yeah he will cry the whole time the first few times but trust me he will eventually get use to it and go play. He will also get better about crying all the time.

Answer 7

Well, sounds like a habit now. When he starts doing that, say take a deep breath (do it with him), hold it, let it out and then make a joke about something. Two is a hard age for all concerned. Make sure he's getting a lot of exercise out-of-doors in the fresh air and sunshine. Maybe an exercise class at the YMCA or other toddler classes would do him good (and you, too).

Answer 8

Try playing with him more. Find things he likes to do. When he is not crying praise him like crazy. When he is crying for no reason then ignore him. When he stops for a couple minutes praise him again and do something with him. But most importantly have you had him to the Dr's to make sure there is nothing wrong with him first?

Answer 9

Get him cleared w/ a pediatrician - if he's all good it sounds as though he's either crying for attention or may have some emotional issues.

Keep the little bugger busy physical exercise and plenty of fun interaction and games, make sure he's adequately rested and fed. A well fed, tired kid is a happy kid. The exercise will help him burn of anxiety and make him tired.

Answer 10

Don't treat him like a baby. Do not give him attention when he cries - he will quickly learn that crying doesn't work anymore --- then teach him more constructive ways to ask for what he wants or needs.