Five-year-old Joe is crying because his favorite aunt is moving away.His parents are in the kitchen arguing about how to respond to the situation.Joe's father wants to tell him "big boys don't cry." Joe's mother wants to tell him "it is okay to cry when you feel sad." According to research,which response will be most helpful for Joe?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to research, it is important to acknowledge and validate a child's emotions, even if they seem illogical or irrational. Telling a child that "big boys don't cry" can send the message that their feelings are not important or valid. It is important to allow children to express their feelings, which can help them learn to regulate their emotions and cope with difficult situations in the future. Therefore, Joe's mother's response is more helpful as it validates his emotions and allows him to express them in a healthy way. Gender and age should not be a factor in how emotions are validated and acknowledged.

Five-Year-Old Joe Is Crying Because His Favorite Aunt Is Moving