It sounds like your little one is expressing his emotions in the only way he knows how—through crying and frustration. At four years old, children are still developing emotional regulation skills, and their world can feel overwhelming when they don’t get what they want or struggle to express their feelings. Since both you and your husband are working and don’t have extended family around, he may also be seeking extra attention and connection from you. This behavior is common in children at this age, especially in busy households where routines and expectations might feel different from day to day. Rather than seeing it as defiance, try to view it as a need for comfort, validation, and better emotional tools.

Connect with psychotherapist

HI, It's common for young children to experience heightened emotions, especially when they feel tired, overwhelmed, or unable to express themselves. At four years old, your son is still developing his emotional regulation skills. Here are a few strategies you might find helpful: Validate His Feelings: Acknowledge his emotions by saying things like, "I understand you're upset because you wanted to wear that outfit." This helps him feel heard. Set Clear Boundaries: Consistently enforce rules while explaining the reasons behind them. This helps him understand expectations. Offer Choices: Whenever possible, give him limited choices (e.g., between two outfits) to foster a sense of control. Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor can help diffuse his emotional reactions. Take deep breaths and model how to handle frustration. Establish Routines: Consistent daily routines can provide a sense of security and predictability, which may reduce emotional outbursts. Quality Time: Spend a few dedicated moments each day engaging in activities he enjoys to strengthen your bond and support his emotional needs. Consider reaching out to a paediatrician or child psychologist if the crying persists or escalates, as they can provide tailored advice and support.

It seems to be ADHD. It needs to be handled by an expert psychologist and then you can take over the responsibilities. It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery otherwise it may get complicated. It can be treated well with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively. You need an expert psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.

I would recommend you to get in touch with a child psychologist for the same. They can help you better to identify the child’s behaviour and how to go on about it.

Hello, As a mother you, it is understandable that you are concerned about your child's behaviour. As mentioned by you, you are staying away from extended family and both of you are working parents.The child is seeking attention, love, care and probably more time. Hence, he may be expressing himself by throwing tantrums. As may not be able to receive conversations effectively as yet. You can engage with him more, by playing with him, or participating in activities he likes. Creating opportunities for him to connect with other children as well. This can help him to express himself in a better manner and you to manage his needs accordingly. Wish you fulfilling and happy parenting. You can consult for further professional guidance. Happy Healthy Living!

Hi...Throwing tantrums is very normal for four-year-olds. First understand that he is a kid and he needs to behave like one. These are the memories that will remain in your head when he grows up into an adult. While you are responding to his tantrums, focus less on the object and more on the subject. Let me explain it. If he is struggling to wear a particular outfit, try to reason it out with him and after sometime loose a relatively reasonable argument from his side and let him wear want he want. This all has to be done in a very polite manner. Remember, he is seeking your love and attention which is the 'subject' and this outfit is only the 'object' of his tantrum. He will respond to your emotive self. If you become angry, he'll become angry. If you become calm, he will first test your patience, play with it and after sometime loose interest in the whole argument because his purpose is met, i.e., to gain your love and attention.

You are correct.. He is playing his tantrums to seek your attention.. As you both are working, probably, you aren't able to give more time or quality time to him. And he is trying his best to express his need of time from you both as parents.. Would suggest both of you as parents and as couples to consult with a psychological Counselor for a therapy session, to get a clarity and understanding..