Ahh, so not "fake crying" so much as whining to get what he wants. He is quite young and it's fairly common for them to do this since they really can't communicate effectively with you yet. The best way I found to address it here was to realize that DD wasn't trying to be whiny etc, but that she was simply frustrated and trying to get some message across to me. I would get down to her level (crouch if she was standing next to me for example) and speak to her with a very understanding voice.. try to convey to LO that you are trying to understand what he is telling/asking you. Use the words to say back to him what he seems to want - so, try getting down to his level and saying "are you trying to tell me that you want XX? Watch for his reaction... if he smiles or stops the whiny bit, you are safe to assume you have hit the nail on the head... then of course, if the answer is no to the request - be prepared for real tears. It's okay for them to cry when you say no, it's their way of telling you that they are sad cause they can't have whatever it was. Best plan for that - offer something else that he can have while giving a quick explanation of why you said no (something like - I know you want a cookie, but it's almost dinner time.. it will fill your tummy and you won't be able to eat your dinner. How about we play with XXX together?"
Just a note about the molars - DD had no change in eating habits with them.. all other teeth she would be off food for a few days and it was clear it was hurting.. I suspect the molars weren't so much an issue with food because they generally don't use that part of their mouths to chew things quite yet.
How did the early bedtime go?
