Toddler cries when he hears "good job" or "yay"!?

Question

My cousin's 2 year-old boy cries whenever he does something well and we say, "Very good!" or "Yay!" or clap in a praiseworthy manner. What might cause this reaction?

Answer 1

since you know it upsets him, just don't do it and he won't cry.

Answer 2

My son loves when I say: "Well done" but does not like: "Thank you". He starts showing his tantrums. Toddlers can be both funny and pain :)

I would advise you not to use these words for some time then try again later, say in two weeks or so. They grow out of these things.

Answer 3

Perhaps he's being startled by all the commotion.  Is everyone yelling "Yay!!"?  Why not try patting him on the back or giving him a hug.  Try to control your excitement until he can get used to it.

Answer 4

my son is the opposite way, whenever we say good job, he expects us to clap, so he just claps with us or looks in anticipation of us clapping.  He however cries when we go to a game and the crowd cheers.  So I guess he just needs to get use to it.  Maybe shorten the compliments at first.  Just say great and look him in the eye, then as the weeks go by  progress to good job, then after a few more weeks, move on the good job and clap.

Answer 5

too much ovewhelming loudness and sudden

try a non verbal

draw a smily face on his hand

or tickle his palm

then  do a high five with his hand

or squeeze little fingers- pinkies

then add words