During this time, parents may find it necessary to establish behavioral guidelines to help the child develop appropriate behaviors. Praising the ability to delay or withhold crying until an appropriate time and place is helpful. Teaching alternative behaviors to respond to distressing situations is also useful. As children develop additional coping skills and problem-solving skills, their responses of crying as a means of expressing themselves decreases. With increasing age there is a differentiation in crying between the sexes.
Boys cry less while girls continue to cry into adulthood.
Many believe this is a learned behavior for the boy. Whether suppressing crying is beneficial or detrimental for males is a topic that is currently being debated. Please read this Important notice .