What should I do if my child tends to sulk?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Children who tend to hold in their anger may be doing so due to weak emotional expression skills, immature nervous system development, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general interventions, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, parents should foster an inclusive family environment and avoid blaming children excessively when they make mistakes.
Generally, a child's tendency to sulk may be caused by weak emotional expression ability, incomplete neurological development, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general interventions, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Weak emotional expression: A child’s language development may not yet be mature, making it difficult for them to clearly express their inner feelings, so they resort to sulking as a way of communicating emotions. Parents can use simple language to help children describe their feelings—for example, asking, "Do you feel upset?"—and teach them to express emotions using phrases like "I'm angry."
2. Incomplete neurological development: The brain's emotional regulation centers in children have not fully matured, making them prone to negative emotions when facing setbacks and unable to self-regulate effectively. Parents should spend more time accompanying children in outdoor activities such as running or jumping rope, which help release negative emotions and promote healthy neurological development.
3. Anxiety: Academic pressure or environmental changes may cause anxiety in children who lack appropriate ways to vent their feelings, leading to silent sulking. Parents can help reduce stress by breaking tasks into manageable parts—for instance, creating reasonable study plans. If necessary, medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, fluvoxamine maleate tablets, or buspirone tablets specifically formulated for children may be used under medical supervision, along with psychological counseling.
4. Depression: Prolonged emotional suppression may lead to depression, causing children to become quiet, prone to sulking, and lose interest in activities. Treatment may include medications such as sertraline tablets, fluoxetine capsules, or venlafaxine extended-release tablets, prescribed under a doctor’s guidance. At the same time, parents should encourage participation in enjoyable activities to stimulate positive emotions.
5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Some children with ADHD also experience difficulties in emotion regulation, often reacting impulsively or with sulking after experiencing frustration. Symptoms can be improved with medications such as methylphenidate extended-release tablets, atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules, or Concerta, as directed by a physician, combined with behavioral modification training to enhance emotional control.
In daily life, parents should foster an inclusive family environment and avoid constant criticism when children make mistakes. When a child is sulking, offer quiet companionship rather than forcing communication; wait until their emotions have calmed before engaging in patient dialogue. Encourage children to interact more with peers, helping them develop better emotional expression and coping skills through social engagement.
