How to Cope With Crying Jags
All children cry. Crying is how your baby communicates that she's hungry, needs a diaper change or just wants to be held; and how older children express anger or sadness. It's not always as simple as all that, however, and many children cry for extended periods of time for reasons that seem minor to you. Talk to your child's pediatrician if this describes your situation, but in the meantime certain things you can do at home might help stop a crying jag in its tracks.
Instructions
Crying Jags in Babies and Small Children
Take a deep breath and remain calm. A crying child can stress you out and leave you feeling frustrated and angry, so taking a deep breath will help you approach the situation more calmly. Your mood is likely to transfer to your child, too, so staying calm and in control might help your little one calm down, as well. Rock your baby or snuggle your toddler. Many babies are soothed by the rhythmic motion of being rocked, and spending a few minutes doing so can calm your baby down and help her relax enough to stop crying. Snuggling up with your toddler in a quiet room can have the same effect. Swaddle your baby in a blanket. A tight swaddle can help mimic the safe and secure fit in the womb and works to calm many babies. If you have trouble swaddling your little one, ask her pediatrician to demonstrate the technique. Give your baby something to suck on. If it's close to feeding time, offer your breast or a bottle of formula. If your baby isn't hungry, try offering her a pacifier to suck on. The sucking motion soothes many babies and can help them stop crying. Play soft music or sing softly to your baby or toddler. The music or sound of a voice might interest your child enough that she stops crying so she can hear it. Give your child a warm bath. Just as a warm bath can help you relax, the sensation of the warm water might also help your little one calm down and stop crying. It will also give you something concrete to do, which can help ease your frustration and worry about the constant crying. Take time to yourself if nothing you try works. There is nothing wrong with putting your baby or toddler in a safe place, such as her crib, and taking five or 10 minutes to cry, take deep breaths or call a friend for advice. Call someone close to you that you trust to come babysit, if possible. Take a book to a coffee shop and read for a half-hour, or go to your favorite store and browse. This timeout is often enough to restore your energy so you can head back home ready to keep trying to soothe your little one. Crying Jags in Older Children and Teens
Let your child cry. Often crying will help release pent-up anger, sadness or frustration, which will leave your older child or teen ready to approach his problem more calmly. Hug your child, rub his back and offer support until the crying jag is over. Older children and teens, though more independent than babies and toddlers, still crave their parents' support, and doing these things shows your love. Distract your child. Perhaps your child would enjoy playing basketball in the driveway or your teen might welcome a trip to the mall. Distracting your older child or teen with something more enjoyable can stop the crying and get him out of his funk. Doing something with his hands, such as writing in a journal or doing an art project, can help, too.
