4 yr. old had numerous crying spells daily

[Jesse1948]

My grandson has always been very sensitive but even as he got older, he is 4 now, he still crys alot over just about anything. Recently his parents moved out of the house (yeah, go figure) and he has started regressing in potty training, ***** his thumb more and his crying has increased.
I understand why he is doing all this, what I want to know is how to deal with it. Right now what I try to do is ignore most of it, like the thumbsucking (I know it damages their teeth), and even the potty problems, but I don't know how to handle the crying over everything. I give him plenty of attention, hugs and kisses etc. but nothing is working to improve anything. The parents have been out of the house for only 2 months and I have always been the closest person to my grandson, always been with him through everything and we love each other dearly. He is more attached to me than to his mother. But I am very concerned about his emotional health...what can I do?

[teddybears4ever2]

Honestly is the fact that he is going to need braces if he ***** him thumb that big of a deal?  It is his comfort and I would say let him do it.  I did it, I wore braces, I am still here.  
If you are dead set against it, why not offer him a stuffed animal that he can take with him, wherever he goes?  Tell him something like "This is Mr. Bear who is here to protect you when you are sad"!  Just keep reminding him that he is safe with you.  What his parents did was just cruel and uncalled for.  

[margypops]

I also think jesse that you just do what you can to help his unhappiness, keep him busy , focused on games , friends , going out, so he wont dwell on it, when he cries what is he crying about, does he say anything ,focus on his positive side and praise him when he does something right ..

[Jesse1948]

I am so glad you both answered my query...I am give all the love and attention he always has required from me, and yes you are very right about his need for his mother. Unfortunately the feelings are not mutual. She does "pretend" to care about him as much as she does for the littel guy. She really doesn't have any good maternal feelings to share with them. What she does is better than nothing I guess.
They do get to see their parents but it's usually infrequent and unplanned. I always talk about my  son (his daddy) and mother (!!) whenever I can fit them into the conversation or activity, but at first it was too new and only made things more uncomfortable.
I will NEVER talk badly about either of them no matter how angry I may be. I love them too much to add to the hurt they already must feel.
God bless both of you and thankyou for your help. Jesse^^

[margypops]

try distraction , play games take his mind of it all, its very hard for children it would be best for him if was able to see his parents ,as although he is attached to you he will still have the need to be with his mom .Can you get him out a lot parks, places of distraction. I am sure you are doing all you can its a sad situation.

[looloo141]

Bless him and you!
poor little mite, I guess he feels a level of abandonment no matter how close he his to you. I think a lot of 4 year olds have crying spells, I know some older kids that do, for some people ifs a release.. I think all you can do is carry on the good work you're already doing, don't give him too much attention during the crying spells, but plenty after. I think he needs a new way to express himself, maybe talk about his parents while he is painting a picture or something.