From the Guidelines
Excessive crying in a two-year-old in a classroom setting can be a trigger for child maltreatment, and it is essential to address the underlying causes of the crying to prevent potential harm to the child. The study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1 highlights that crying is a common trigger for child abuse, and the severity and frequency of caregivers' adverse responses to crying have largely been underappreciated. Factors that place a child at risk for child maltreatment include child characteristics, such as emotional/behavioral difficulties, chronic illness, and developmental disabilities, as well as parent and environmental factors, such as low self-esteem, substance abuse, and social isolation.
To address the issue of excessive crying in a two-year-old in a classroom setting, it is crucial to:
- Identify the underlying causes of the crying, such as separation anxiety, normal exploratory behavior, or normal negativism
- Develop a plan to manage the crying, in collaboration with the teacher and parents, that takes into account the child's individual needs and developmental stage
- Provide guidance to caregivers on how to respond to the child's crying in a non-abusive and supportive manner
- Ensure that the child's basic needs are met, including adequate sleep, nutrition, and attention
- Consider referring the child to a pediatric behavioral specialist if the crying persists and is causing significant distress to the child or others.
It is also important to recognize that children with disabilities are at an increased risk of being maltreated, and that adult intimate partner violence and child maltreatment are closely linked 1. Therefore, it is essential to address these factors in the development of a plan to manage the child's crying. By taking a comprehensive and supportive approach, it is possible to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and promote a safe and healthy environment for the child.
From the Research
Implications of Excessive Crying in a Classroom Setting
- There are no direct research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on well-child visits, developmental screening, consent for emergency medical services, and medical evaluations for possible child maltreatment.
- However, it can be inferred that excessive crying in a two-year-old may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as a developmental delay or a medical condition 2, 3.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental surveillance at every well-child visit, which may help identify potential issues early on 2, 4.
- In a classroom setting, excessive crying may disrupt other children's sleep and learning environment, highlighting the need for teachers and caregivers to be aware of the potential implications of such behavior.
- Further evaluation and screening may be necessary to determine the cause of the excessive crying, and to provide appropriate support and interventions for the child 3, 4.