Excessive Crying Anyone?

I feel like Leighton has been out of control lately with crying.  Instead of pointing at what she wants or saying what she wants (such as up, down, that, etc.) she just cries.  If I don't do whatever she wants me to do and instead encourage her to tell me what she wants she just bursts into tears and then that leads to a tantrum.  Do you think this is because she can't talk yet?

Anyone else's kiddos doing this?  This sounds terrible, but it is absolutely driving me nuts!  I hate to say that but it is really waring on my patience.  

Any suggestions on how to deal with it before I lose my mind?  haha

[AnnieBrooke]

It can really help with language frustration to start signing with your little one when she is old enough to point.  We got some flash cards so I could learn the basic signs to use with my son, but there is also a lot of information online.  (Just google "signing with children.")  Kids can communicate with sign language well before they can talk, and it reduces the frustration.

[ovaz129]

My only concern with signing is that it will delay language development.  I mean, if your little one knows how to sign for things, what would be the point of them using language to ask for that item?  That is my concern with signing.

[AnnieBrooke]

In all the discussion of signing with toddlers and babies, I've never heard of that.

[AnnieBrooke]

In fact, it will probably develop her capacity for language, because she can make herself understood and doesn't get high-centered on trying to communicate the most basic things with you.  After all, most of the people she interacts will not sign, so she will grasp really fast that she has to talk, for them to be on the same page with her.  Yet she will also get the benefit of the release from frustration because she will at least be able to communicate a few things to you.  

ps -- these signs are not very fancy, it's not like she could sign out the Emancipation Proclamation or something, they are just words like "hungry" and "more" and "yes" and "ball" and "daddy."

[toes33107]

Brock has been crying a lot more lately too!  He has been very whiny.  He started day care, and I think it's wearing him out.  There are also teeth coming in too!  His naps have been varying too, so I think he's not getting enough sleep.  He pretty much shakes his head yes or no if he does/doesn't want something!

[Jules31981]

We are there too.  I think it is the language barrier and I think you are doing the right thing.  I feel the exact same way as you though.   Sometimes to the point where I am glad to have to go to work for a while.   MAdy has been whinning a lot lately too though.  Must be the age.  Hopefully we will be out of it soon!

[Jem75]

Hayden gets visibly frustrated when we don't understand her needs and wants. She won't cry but she SCREAMS....like when she sees the laptop and wants to play on youtube.com doing her ABC songs....SCREAMS if she does not get her way. The less attention I pay to her outburst the more infrequent they are. So I guess just don't pay attention to her, walk away and see if she gets over it.

[kele1129]

Phin is a screamer as well, not so much a cry-er . I wish he would take the time sometimes to see that I am getting his milk/toy/cloth/etc and give me the 4 freaking seconds it takes to hand him said item. Instead he screams and slowly falls to the ground in a fit. oi.

[ovaz129]

Okay, glad to hear I don't have the only child doing this right now!  haha... and in addition to the screaming and fits, she has added the excessive use of the word "No" to it all.  I mean really?  The tantrums weren't enough?  Oh well.

[Jules31981]

I am sooo glad this is not only me.  I thought that I might go crazy.  add this to hormones and wow I need a break!!!!