Are you looking for strategies to help students who cry in response  to normal situations? If so, keep reading.

1. Alter their surroundings to lessen situations that cause the learner to be unhappy (e.g., if the learner is upset by losing in competitive learning activities, lessen the number of competitive learning activities).

2. Review concerns with the administration and seek a referral to an agency for investigation of possible abuse or neglect.

3. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the learner is most comfortable.

4. Give the learner many chances for social and academic success.

5. Take time to talk with the learner so the learner realizes your interest in them is genuine.

6. Teach methods for dealing with problems early to prevent problems from becoming overwhelming.

7. Show the learner that feelings of unhappiness are natural but that there is an appropriate duration of time for public displays of that emotion.

8. Teach the learner to be happy with their best effort rather than perfection.

9. On occasions where logical consequences occur because of the learner’s display of unhappiness, point them out to the learner (e.g., peers prefer not to interact with him/her).

10. Give the learner as many positive interactions as possible (e.g., recognize the learner, call the learner by name, compliment their attire, etc.).

11. Make sure that positive reinforcement is not inadvertently given for unacceptable behavior.

12. Make sure that the consequences for unacceptable behavior are consistent.

13. Urge and assist the learner in joining extracurricular learning activities, clubs, etc.

14. Take the learner away from the peer(s) who is causing their unhappiness.

15. Dissuade the learner from engaging in those learning activities that cause their unhappiness.

16. Provide the learner additional duties (e.g., chores, errands, etc.) to give them a feeling of success or accomplishment.

17. Urge the learner to use problem-solving skills: (a) find the problem, (b) find goals and objectives, (c) create strategies, (d) create a plan for action, and (e) carry out the plan.

18. Identify individuals the learner may contact about their unhappiness (e.g., guidance counselor, school nurse, social worker, school psychologist, etc.).

19. Organize their surroundings so the learner does not have time to dwell on real or imagined problems.

20. Provide anecdotal records of the learner’s behavior to check for patterns or changes in behavior.

21. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

23. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

24. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

25. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.