The Best Ways to React to Your Crying Toddler, According to an Expert

For many toddlers, crying is not a reflection of sadness — it's a way to process any emotion. They may cry out of anger, frustration, fear, excitement, confusion, anxiety, or even happiness. The trouble is, they may also lack the verbal ability and self-awareness to explain how they're feeling. This means asking them, "What's wrong?" will rarely yield a productive response.