689c1edc_Resources_in_Portland__Oregon___Why_it_Works
[If you want to say…] “Why are you crying?!?!” or “That’s nothing to cry about.” or “Stop crying.” […try this instead.] “Oh, you’re so sad! What can I do for you?” [Why it Works] 
Why the child is crying really doesn’t matter. Remember, to you it’s just a blue sippy cup. To the child, it’s his world. The emotion is strong and that’s what matters. Sometimes all that children need is for someone to acknowledge that their emotion is real. Asking what they think they need helps them learn how to start taking care of themselves and identify their own coping mechanisms for processing and handling emotion.
Frustrated? Try This Response Instead! » Core Parenting - Parenting Resources in Portland, Oregon.
Why it Works