What your child will discover
Teach that crying is communication, not bad behavior. Help children and caregivers connect crying with possible needs such as hunger, tiredness, discomfort, pain, fear, overstimulation, or closeness.
Lesson 012 of 300
Why Do Babies Cry?
Understand that crying is a baby’s way of communicating hunger, discomfort, tiredness, pain, or a need for closeness.
0–12 monthsSenses & First ConceptsAdult guided
This language pathway is active. The authoritative curriculum lesson is currently presented in its original English while its reviewed local-language edition is prepared.
Senses & First Concepts · KnowledgeForKids.com
Listen together · adult controls the audio
The spoken lesson
"Babies cry because they cannot yet explain everything with words. Crying may mean, 'I am hungry.' It may mean, 'I am tired,' 'I am uncomfortable,' or 'Something hurts.' Sometimes a baby needs closeness, quiet, or help calming down. Crying is communication. It is not naughty behavior. A caring adult comes close, listens, checks what the baby may need, and offers comfort. Sometimes the first idea does not work, so the caregiver keeps checking. If crying is unusual or the baby seems unwell, an adult should seek appropriate help. Crying says, 'I need something.'" DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Use mild, non-distressing imagery. Never play prolonged crying sounds. Avoid blame, shame, or instructions to ignore the baby.
Words to notice together
CRYHUNGRYTIREDUNCOMFORTABLEHURTCLOSEHELP
Make it real
Pause, point, name what you notice, and connect the idea to something familiar in your child's day. Repetition, a calm voice, shared attention and dependable care matter more than finishing quickly.