5 year old cries

My 51/2 year old son has many episodes of crying. Many things trigger him, something as little as his sock doesnt feel right to something not going his way.  He does not know how to express himself in any other way.  How can I help him express himself other than crying? I am now becoming very frustrated myself, HELP

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Tami.

Five-year-olds are in the process of learning how to manage and express feelings, and can be easily overwhelmed, particularly by sadness and anger.

You can help by gently, patiently asking what's the matter and how can you help. Try not to simply rush in and 'solve the problem'. Instead, invite your son to put the problem into words. Over time, he will be more resilient and less bowled over by small things. He'll also do better at using his words to solve problems instead of simply being overcome with emotion.