how can i tell when my child is upset?

Answer 1

Other than the obvious screaming or tantrum throwing they might refuse to talk to you or the person they might be upset at, they might take it out on their siblings or other children, they may refuse to do something fun or something they planned on doing or they might become very quiet and want to be alone. But be careful with that one because that may be a sign of depression. Yes even little ones can be depressed.

Good luck

Answer 2

well, a little more information would be helpful such as how old is he/she? What are they doing to cause you to think they might be upset, etc.

First of all, children do not know how to process emotions (unfortunately, many adults dont' either!). So when children want or need something and their wants and needs aren't met immediately, they react in a way that they are used to getting away with. For example, some children are not taught healthy boundaries when it comes to expressing themselves so you might witness children screaming, throwing tantrums, sulking, hitting, bitting, hiding, etc. because they have not been taught that this behavior is not acceptable. In other words, they have not been given proper boundaries for their age group. These are all signs of a child not getting his needs met and reacting to that. To a child, not getting their needs met is equated to someone not loving them. It makes them feel insecure. A child doesn't really get upset because they don't have the emotions to be upset, they become frustrated. That frustration is because they can't express their needs yet they know that their needs are not being met. It could be something as simple as needing reassurance from one or both parents and not getting it. This is probably the worst thing that a child can go through. Reassurance is the single most important role a parent plays in a child's life. It's what gives them confidence, self assureness, good communication skills as they grow older, security, good school yard skills, the list goes on. So often times, when a child's needs aren't met, they view this as a lack of reassurance that someone cares about them and someone is there to take care of their needs. This is what makes children grow into insecure adults. And you and I both know insecure people are everywhere. I prove my point. SO often I see parents that simply say "no" to a child or "be quiet" or just something critical WITHOUT explaining why. Explanations help a child to develop proper and healthy boundaries and it helps them learn right from wrong as opposed to just always having to do what mom and dad say and then grow resentful. It becomes a game of manipulation. The child either learns to manipulate the parents or the parents will always manipulate the child and that child will grow up to be a manipuator himself and not truly live to his emotional potential-which is very sad.

If your child seems upset, reassure him/her that you love them but their behavior is unacceptable or whatever it is that they;re doing if it's wrong, tell them and explain why it's wrong. It doesn't matter if they don't understand. Keep doing it and be consistent. After a child hears something 50 times, it will sink in and you will have done your most excellent part as a diligent and responsible parent. :)

Without more information, that's the best advice I can offer

Answer 3

how old are they? Can they talk. Most babies cry when upset. Toddlers learn anger. However there are a few kids that are verystoic and quiet all the time. These kids are harder to tell. These are the ones that parents need to make sure they spend time with, however not so much that they smother them.

Answer 4

My little son had a lot of trouble learning to express his emotions and would just cry like a baby even at 4.

We had to play the face game, being really close so he could see my face and doing happy, sad, surprised, grumpy, thinking, tired etc etc .. with BIG over the top pantomimed actions. It took a while but now he can say, I'm angry .. or sad.. or whatever... my next step is to teach him to be able to tell me why he is feeling whatever.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My child lets me know in no uncertain terms that he is upset and he isn't even 2 yet. Just pay attention, you will pick up on their behavior very easily.

Answer 6

Sometimes children will be too quite and retreat to their rooms a lot. Sometimes they will act out more than usual. They all have their own way of dealing with their problems. Just watch to see if he or she is acting out of the norm and react to it as quickly as possible. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything and that you will do anything to help them deal with the problem.

Answer 7

By listening to your child, noticing behavior problems.

Answer 8

Depends on the kid... Some clam up. Some get evasive. Some pack an Oozy- & go to town... The point IS, you don't really want it to get that far. You want to be able to sit down with your kid, & calmly ask them, "What's up..?" Don't judge them, - just listen to them. Some times that's all they need.

Answer 9

By LISTENING and paying attention to your child.

Answer 10

when it screams its head off and stamps or thrashes its feet ,is a good indication