Toddler crying for no reason? Why it’s happening and useful tips to save your sanity

Here are possible explanations for the waterworks

By Kelli Catana Updated May 21, 2024

Child crying in a house by a window. — Marcos Paulo Prado / Unsplash

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Kelli is a freelance writer who has covered the world of entertainment, pop culture, parenting, and lifestyle for various…

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Why your toddler wakes up crying and what might be causing it

Sleep issues can disrupt your household. Here's what may be causing them

Parents of toddlers know that it isn't uncommon for their little ones to wake up in the middle of the night crying, but if this is something that's becoming a habit, it can be a bit unsettling. If you're a parent going through it now, we feel you. Sleep disturbances can wreak havoc on your night and your morning. Thankfully, these instances are normally a one- or two-night ordeal, and they're usually caused by a disruption to your child's sleep routine.

A young tot that consistently wakes up crying is concerning for any parent. Not only does this disrupt your own routine, but it creates a difficult and sometimes frustrating environment for everybody else in the home. There are a few reasons why toddlers wake up crying, and there are steps for parents and guardians to take to try to remedy this predicament. Let’s dive into a few of those underlying issues so parents can work out the kinks of their child’s teary times so everyone in the house can get a restful night's sleep.
Your toddler is still tired

Stages

Toddler not eating? Here are tips to encourage better eating habits

A toddler who won't eat anything is normal, but why do they refuse food?

Toddler refusing to eat healthy lunch/snack of fruit and drink her milk

Your toddler will go through many phases as they hit developmental milestones, and sometimes turning their nose up at foods they once loved is one of those phases. Even if you started with a super-easy baby who eats everything you give them, toddlers have a mind of their own. Suddenly, you have a child who won't eat anything other than goldfish crackers, chicken nuggets, and Cheez-Its. Toddlers don't get a bad rap for nothing. The terrible twos and "threenager" years have earned their titles because these are the stages of development when children master the word "no."

One of the main ways toddlers exert their newfound independence is by refusing to eat anything that they previously loved. It's an incredibly frustrating time for parents, but having a toddler who suddenly won't eat isn't the end of the world. It's actually common, and in some cases, completely normal. Here are a few ideas and tips if your toddler won't eat and what to do if you have concerns.
What's normal?

Stages

Potty training regression: Tips to get your child back on track

How to spot potty training regression and help your child get over this bump

A mother helping her toddler on the potty

Potty training is a huge milestone for both the child and the parent. The child gains confidence and independence, not being labeled as a baby in diapers anymore, and getting to use the bathroom like a big kid is a huge deal. For parents, the milestone of not having to change diapers anymore — and not having to buy diapers anymore — might bring out a little happy dance.

But sometimes, milestones hit a bump in the road. If your child has been potty trained, but you notice a slip in their progress all of a sudden, you could have a case of potty training regression on your hands. Here's what that looks like and how you can get your child back in the swing of things.
What is potty training regression?

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