Is this normal?! 22mth old smiles when I tell him someone is hurt or upset??

[worriedmum224]

Hi all,

I have a lovely little boy-very gentle and cooperative albeit with a feisty side ! Anyway, lately I've noticed whenever I tell him someone is hurt or upset, he looks at me and smiles! My boy has never been much of a smiler so I definitely notice when he does it.

he doesn't go out of his way to hurt anyone, and if he has seen me very upset, he too gets upset. He used to get very worried when he heard people crying but now just smiles and sometimes nods!

I used to say to him "They are upset It's Okay" I'm worried looking back, I could've used too cheerful a tone, when saying this maybe? I'm not sure..

I'm not sure! Is this normal? It's a tiny bit worrying...

I expect he is reassuring you that HE is ok - that is what you have taught him iyswim. Someone is hurt but it is ok!

I wouldn’t read much into this.

My DS (3) smiles if I say someone’s upset, not because he’s happy they’re upset but because he’s non verbal and telling me he’s not (or is telling them it’s ok). Don’t worry, it’s a normal reaction for a child who’s trying to understand emotions

Thanks guys-interesting way to look at it. Hadn't thought of that !

My boy has had some cognitive difficulties since he was young. they expect he will catch up by the age of 3 but for now he is also delayed in speech so yes, maybe this is his way of telling me he's okay :)

I agree with others. Could also be a sort of nervous smile, appealing for reassurance if that makes sense? He is looking to you like "It's okay, right mummy?"

Obviously just a guess!

Yes, toddlers often smile when slightly out of sorts as they have learnt that smiling elicits a positive response, and they are looking for that.

It can be quite disconcerting!