2yr2m old cries at slightest thing that does 'wrong'

[lottytheladybird]

My 2yr2m old used to have a lovely temperament. However, in recent months, he rolls onto the floor crying whenever things go 'wrong'. By going wrong, I mean, for example, if his tower falls over or if his puzzle falls apart.

Have you experienced anything similar with your toddler?

Could it be attention seeking??

If I were you I would ignore it & see if it stops

Yes, 2.7 y.o. DS can be like this - though less so now than he was. He tends to yell at the top of his voice about it now rather than cry. ("Not fall down! Not fall down! Not that brick! Stay together! Stay together all day!")

Could be a developmental leap when they're less able to cope with frustration.

I think it's also a personality thing. DS is a perfectionist who likes things to be just right and not 'funny'. We've had lots of strops when he's been trying to draw something and it's come out 'funny' (ie not looking exactly like he wanted it too). He complains when we draw or write something 'funny' too.

We find that ignoring it makes it worse. We validate his emotions ("It's frustrating when your tower falls over, isn't it?") and, when he's getting persistently upset with something, suggest changing to a different activity. We also talk about how things don't always go right, even for adults, and it's okay for things not always to be perfect.