6Yr Old Crying

Sounds like she is feeling insecure as well as being a sensitive child. Find ways to give her positive attention and include her in daily activities during which she feels good about herself and is expressing happiness.

Talk with her about how she's feeling when she cries. Try talking both when she is crying and at a later time when she's relaxed and feeling good. You can read stories to her that will provide a basis for the talking.

I also recommend that you read or listen to the book "Talk so Your Kids Will Hear & Listen so Your Kids Will Talk by Faber and Maslish. How we word things makes a big difference in how others hear and interpret what we say. The book also helps us understand reasons behind what kids do and say.

She may just be a sensitive kid, in which case you are getting good advice already. But you may want to check if she is stressed by something going on in her life or just overtired. My oldest is only 4.5 but his behavior is much worse when tired (even 15 or 20 minutes can make a difference). I am far from perfect at getting him in bed on time but the consequences are that he will cry or tantrum on very little provocation when overtired.

Have you taking her to an specialist? it sounds like its something a professional should be abel to tell you what is going on. I know of kids that are very sensitive to noises.

She will grow out of this somewhat, but she will probably always be sensitive. With sensitive kids, this is not something they have control over or "are doing for attention", they really can't help themselves. Be as supportive as you can, don't dismiss her feelings, or punish her for crying, just acknowledge her and then try to get her to move on to some other topic or plaything. New stress or being overtired will definitely make it worse, so adjust her bedtime as needed, usually for a 6 yo somewhere btwn 7:30 and 8. Now is she's having an angry, crying, screaming hysterical fit, you can tell her she has to go to her room until she calms down and can act like a human being, but for that sad upwelling of emotion, just be as supportive as you can without making a big fuss over it.

Is she a very intelligent child? Sometimes highly intelligent people are very sensitive and emotional, even about other people's feelings. If that's the case, this is part of who she is, and should be allowed to express her feelings.

Hi H.-

I must agree that your child seems to be very sensitive. The best course of action would be to support her when she cries, give her a lovey to cuddle to take the stress of you, because it seems her crying seems to bother you. I would also suggest you have her talk out why she is crying. If she sees a sad scene on TV, talk abou it. "they are sad because their puppy died. Being sad makes us feel bad, but it's ok to feel say, now let's think of something happy."

Changing the subject is an easy way to lighten the mood. Make silly faces to tell a knock-knock joke.

The key is to support her and let her know you're there when she feels bad, but to also let her work through her feelings.

6 year olds are sensitive to others, but I bet she will always be sensitive. She will make a great care giver when she is older.

R. Magby