Crying is the first way children learn how to communicate. As babies, they cry to signal they are in need of something or they are uncomfortable and unhappy. They cry when they are hungry, in pain, sleepy, frustrated or even just plain bored! At this stage, crying often is very normal simply because it is the only way they can get their message across. As they grow beyond infancy though, toddlers and older children may use crying to get their way.

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Toddlers and older children have tantrums and crying fits because of frustration or extreme emotions they have difficulty dealing with. Oftentimes, the reactions they get from their parents and caregivers because of, and during these tantrums or crying fits teach children how much power their tears can have.

Parents and caregivers who are too quick to help, or are overly indulgent of their children when they cry may unknowingly teach them that they need not be patient or independent in doing tasks - all there is to do is have a crying fit when things get tough and help will come a running. Doing this may also teach children that they can get away with anything. Environments where authority figures are lax and inconsistent with limitations and boundaries may also make children find it hard to follow rules. This leads to more frustration and more crying fits because they simply cannot cope with the rule-ridden real world.

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