Crying for no reason?

[freespirit333]

Do your 5 year olds tell you why they’re upset/angry? My DS is highly sensitive, always has been, very easily wobbled or upset. I can often take a guess at the reason(s) why he’s upset, but he never admits that’s the reason, even afterwards when we try and have a calm chat - he hates talking about that sort of thing. We’ve got loads of books about feelings, we talk a lot about how we’re feeling, I try and do little role play with his toys sometimes. Nothing seems to work, he gets so sheepish and embarrassed.

This morning for example, end of term is near, he’s not been 100%, so I could guess why almost nothing set him off. But even asking “is this why you’re upset?” doesn’t get the answer!

Sometimes I just get upset and I can't really explain why. I might be overtired or overwhelmed or stressed but I can't pinpoint one specific thing, and if someone asked me, I may not have a coherent answer. I can only imagine it's even harder for a 5yo to pinpoint a reason?

Sounds like you're doing all the right things to support him though!

For clarity: I'm autistic and have anxiety so that probably feeds into it.

The last sentence - I meant that explains it for me! I'm not saying your son is anxious or autistic! Sorry I wasn't clear there.

My DS who's 4 and quite sensitive is the same, recently whenever we try to get to the bottom of the upset he now says 'I don't want to talk' sometimes he'll tell us sometimes he won't. I now just let him be and reassure him that his feelings are OK.

@AnxiousAndAwkward don't worry at all I understand! My DS is definitely anxious.

Thanks @elb1504 yes mine is like that, says he doesn’t want to talk. I like what you’ve said about reassuring it’s ok, we do similar so I’ll keep doing that.