How to Help My 6 Year Old Kid Who Cries Over Everything

Parenting
March 26, 2025

Every parent has faced it - the child who cries over everything.

It's a common issue, especially with young kids, and can be incredibly frustrating for both the child and the parents.

Understanding your child's feelings and behavior can provide a better understanding of why children cry and how to help them manage their emotions.

Therapy or counseling might be a good way to address the root cause of why your child cries so often.

But in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help them cope.

Understanding the Tears and Child's feelings

It's important to recognize that crying is a natural way for children to express their emotions.

When your child cries, they might be feeling upset, sad, angry, or stressed.

Even kids who are usually calm might cry over seemingly minor things like losing a toy or not being invited to a birthday party.

Some kids, including your 6-year-old kid, might cry over everything because they're overly sensitive or extra sensitive to their surroundings.

This sensitivity could be due to big changes in their life such as starting school, the arrival of a new baby in the family, or not getting enough sleep.

Helping Your Child Cope

Here are some strategies to help your constantly crying child regain control:

  • Deep Breathing: Teach your child to take deep breaths when they start crying. Deep breathing can help them calm down and regain control of their emotions.
  • Talk About Feelings: Start a conversation about feelings with your child. Ask them why they're crying and validate their feelings. It's okay to feel sad or upset, and it's important that your child fully understands this.
  • Teach Coping Skills: Help your child learn new skills to manage their emotions. This could include counting to ten, switching gears by focusing on something else or finding a quiet place to calm down.
  • Model Emotional Regulation: Show your child how you manage your own emotions. Children often mimic the behavior of grown-ups, so demonstrating healthy coping strategies can be beneficial.

Remember, if your child is constantly crying and these strategies don't seem to help, it might be time to seek professional help.

A therapist or counselor can provide additional coping skills and techniques to help your child.

As the child learns new strategies, you'll hopefully see the improvement that one needs in order to help foster a healthy maturing process. 

Potential Problems if these Issues are Not Addressed appropriately

If your child's persistent crying issues are not addressed, it could lead to a variety of potential problems.

Unchecked emotional distress can potentially hinder their ability to properly socialize with peers, leading to feelings of isolation or being misunderstood.

It could also impact their academic performance as they may find it challenging to focus on tasks or participate in class due to constant emotional upheaval.

  • Social Difficulties: Children who cry often may struggle to form friendships or be misunderstood by their peers. This could lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
  • Academic Challenges: Persistent emotional distress can make it difficult for children to concentrate in school, potentially leading to poor academic performance.
  • Increased Anxiety: If children don't learn how to properly manage their emotions, they may develop increased anxiety over time. This could manifest as fear, restlessness, or even physical symptoms like stomach aches.
  • Underlying Health or Mental Health Issues: Constant crying can sometimes be a sign of underlying health or mental health issues, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. If these issues go undiagnosed and untreated, they could have long-term implications for the child's well-being.

Persistent crying might also be a sign of underlying health or mental health issues that require professional attention.

Examples Phrases of What You Can Say

  • "I can see that you're upset. Can you help me understand why you're crying?"
  • "It's okay to cry, but let's try to calm down now. Let's take some deep breaths together."
  • "It seems like you're really sad about losing your toy. I understand, losing things can be tough."
  • "I understand you're upset about not being invited to the party. It's okay to feel this way."
  • "It's okay to feel this way. Remember we can count to ten or find a quiet place to help you calm down."
  • "I'm here for you. Let's try to understand what's upsetting you so we can figure it out together."
  • "You seem really sad. I'm here to listen when you're ready to talk."
  • "It's okay to cry, but do you remember the deep breaths we practiced? Let's try those now."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my child cry so much?

Children cry for many reasons.

They may be upset, hurt, anxious, or simply tired.

Some children are more sensitive than others and may cry over small things.

What can I do to help my child stop crying?

Try to understand why your child is crying.

Validate their feelings and let them know it's okay to be upset.

Teach them coping strategies like taking deep breaths or counting to ten.

If needed, seek professional help.

Is it normal for a 6-year-old to cry all the time?

While child crying is normal, if your child cries over everything, it might be a sign that they're struggling with emotional regulation.

It's important to teach your child how to manage their emotions and seek professional help if necessary.

How can I teach my child to express their feelings without crying?

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings.

Use words to express emotions and encourage your child to do the same.

Role-play scenarios and use books or stories to illustrate different emotions and appropriate responses.

Conclusion

Every child is unique and what works for other children may not work for yours.

It's crucial to be patient, empathetic, and consistent in helping your child navigate their emotions.

With time, they will learn to express their feelings in a healthier way and their constant tears will become less frequent.

We all know a child's crying is a rough experience sometimes. A child's tears can be an emotional thing to witness.

t's important to address a child's behavior if they are having issues with handling their big feelings. 

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Parenting

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