How do I handle my 11 year old son who cries all the time?

Question

My son is 11 years old and cries all the time. For example, if his food order is wrong at a restaurant, he cries. When I tell him to go to bed, he cries. When asked to do something he does not want to do, he cries. When he does not get the grade he thought he should get, he cries. If we ask him if he wants to try something new, he cries. This is not something new he has done this for a long time. Is he just hyper sensitive? Is this normal? Is he depressed or just spoiled? We have taken him to a play therapy counselor for several months and it has not helped. We have 2 older boys and they did not go through this at all. Our home is a peaceful environment, I am a stay at home Mom and his Dad travels but is very connected to our son. Please advise, I am at the end of my rope!

jdtm · Answer

I wonder is your child is very sensitive.  There is an excellent book called "the highly sensitive child" by Elaine N. Aron which might be of use.  It should be in your local library or can be purchased in the bookstore on online.  If you google the title of the book, you should be able to find some information about this issue on the internet.  I wish you the best ....

margypops · Answer

Does he get on okay with his older brothers ,there is no teasing or upsetting him?Perhaps if you ignore the whining and crying,as it may be getting him attention,and possibly distraction will work,so he cries when told to go to bed ,thats okay he still goes to bed ,same with anything do  not feed into it he has learned he gets attention that way. Focus on his positive side and praise him when he does something right.When Dad is around make sure he is involved doing plenty of sports and activities with him they need their Dad.