Why Does My Toddler Cry So Much?
Funny Things That Make Toddlers Cry
Because I wouldn’t let him drive the car.
Because I peeled his banana.
Because the wind blew.
Because the sock had a wrinkle.
Because I looked at her.
Because I didn’t look at her.
Because gravity exists.
Welcome to life with a toddler — where logic takes a back seat and the tiniest perceived injustice can unleash a tidal wave of tears.
Toddlers can cry so much it can take a toll on any parent
Its not that you are doing something wrong, its usually because everything is developmentally right
Why Toddlers Cry (So Much)
It may feel like your toddler is crying all the time, and that’s because… they kind of are. But it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, it’s usually because everything is developmentally very right.
Crying is a toddler’s main outlet for emotional overwhelm, and they experience a lot of overwhelm. Between the ages of 1 and 3, their brains are still developing key areas responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and language. The result? A deeply emotional little human who doesn’t have the words or coping skills yet to handle disappointment — like not being allowed to wear sandals in the snow.
By Age 3, Their Brain Is Doing Big Work
Around the age of 3, children are developing their prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for executive function) — but it's far from mature. This means:
They feel things deeply.
They react impulsively.
They remember how things "should" go… and fall apart when it doesn’t.
Their “agenda” is real. When they wake up, they have a plan — even if they don’t say it out loud. Maybe it was wearing the blue shirt, pouring their own cereal, or walking backward down the stairs. And when you step in with yourplan? From their perspective, you’ve crossed the line.
Crying Is Not Harmful — But It Is Hard
Let’s be clear: crying is not harmful to toddlers. It doesn’t break them. It doesn’t mean they’re “too sensitive.” It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
But it can wear you down.
Listening to crying for long stretches can make even the most patient parent feel like they’re not doing enough — or worse, doing it all wrong. Crying is designed to grab attention. It’s supposed to be triggering. But that doesn’t mean you need to fix every cry.
Sometimes, your toddler just needs to cry. What they really need is a calm adult who can hold the boundary and hold the space — even while internally screaming into a pillow.
So What Can You Do?
Validate their feelings (“You really wanted to drive the car. That’s hard.”)
Hold the boundary (“It’s not safe. I’m driving.”)
Stay calm (Hard, but so helpful.)
Take breaks when you can (It’s okay to tag in another caregiver or step into another room.)
You’re not doing it wrong. You’re parenting a small, opinionated, emotional, hilarious little human — and doing a great job.
Need more support to help you navigate the toddler years? Contact me below
