The Kid Whisperer: How to make your kids cry
News October 14, 2025

The Kid Whisperer: How to make your kids cry

Dear Kid Whisperer, I have two school-aged boys and I have a 38-month-old little girl. My question is about my daughter. With my sons, usually if they cried, and I gave them what they wanted, they’d stop crying and that...

**The Kid Whisperer: Understanding Your Child's Tears and How to Respond**

Navigating the emotional landscape of childhood can be challenging for any parent. From tantrums in the toy aisle to tears over scraped knees, understanding why children cry and how best to respond is a constant learning process. One parent recently reached out to the Kid Whisperer seeking advice on their 38-month-old daughter's crying habits, drawing a comparison to their experiences with their older sons.

The concerned parent noted that a strategy that worked with their sons – giving them what they wanted when they cried – seemed to quickly resolve the situation. However, they were questioning whether this approach was the most effective way to handle their daughter's tears.

It's a common parental instinct to want to stop a child's crying as quickly as possible. The sound of a child's distress can be upsetting, and offering a desired object or concession can seem like the fastest route to peace. However, experts often advise that this approach can inadvertently reinforce crying as a means to an end. When a child learns that crying consistently leads to getting what they want, they may be more likely to use tears as a manipulative tactic in the future.

The Kid Whisperer, likely a parenting expert or child psychologist, would likely delve into the underlying reasons for the little girl's crying. Is she tired? Hungry? Feeling neglected? Is she perhaps struggling to communicate her needs effectively? Understanding the root cause of the tears is crucial in determining the most appropriate response.

Instead of immediately giving in, the Kid Whisperer might suggest acknowledging the child's feelings. Saying something like, "I see you're upset," can validate their emotions and help them feel understood. Offering comfort and reassurance, such as a hug or a gentle word, can also be beneficial. It allows the child to feel supported without necessarily rewarding the crying behavior.

Ultimately, the Kid Whisperer aims to equip parents with the tools and understanding to respond to their children's emotional needs in a healthy and constructive way. It's about teaching children how to express their feelings appropriately and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with frustration and disappointment. The goal is not to eliminate tears altogether, but to help children learn to manage their emotions effectively.
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