Can my child feel sad?
Can my child feel sad?
In the past, scientists did not care much about children's ability to feel and think. In fact, even about 20 years ago, it was believed that children could not feel pain! Thanks to recent research, we now know that children have an inner world much richer than we thought.
Your child will start trying to express his feelings as soon as they are born. In the first few months, he can express his feelings only by moving his body and making sounds, from kurragah and makagah to uneasy crying. So, it can sometimes be difficult to understand how your child feels in those first few months.
Over time, you will start "paying attention" to your child by noticing his various crying styles and the types of restlessness and twisting movements he or she makes. When he is sad, his mouth will often be facing down when he cries, and his body is flabby (compared to the open and noisy mouth and tight body of the angry child).
Your child will feel sad for the same reasons that sadden you such as loneliness, discomfort, fatigue, and hunger. By caring for your child and understanding his signs, you will be able to make informed guesses of what he might feel.
Try to calm your child when he is sad or upset by talking to him calmly. For example, "My dear, you look a little sad. Mama will make you feel better." The more you care about your child, the more you know him. He will feel more comfortable and at ease if he feels that the person caring for him understands his needs.
Try not to worry if your child seems sad, and he is crying or turning away from you. This is very normal, and it does not mean that you made a mistake. With your help, his sorrow will definitely not last for long!
Although it is natural that you want to protect your child from any sadness, it is useful for him to know how to deal with his sadness, with your help of course! But this task increases in the stage of the toddler, it starts from the first day.
When you think you are seeing signs of sadness on your child, calm him with gentle hugs and words. Or see our article on calming crying baby with lots of cool tips and tricks.
Try not to mind the old myths that say too much cuddling may "spoil" your child. Physical contact is an important part of being attached to your child, and it will help him feel safe and loved. Trust your instinct, cuddle your little boy and give him a little pamper whenever you feel he needs it.
Finally, there may be times when you notice that your child is lying in his stroller or mat and there is a sad look on his face. If he is not crying, moaning, or moving around a lot, it may mean that he is just experiencing a moment of reflection. Our faces all bear serious expression when we think!
In the end, you will learn how to distinguish between the times when your child wants a little rest and the times the world meditates around him.