This may go on for up to three months. The cause of this kind of crying is not known. It does not seem to harm the child. Young children soon outgrow their fears if they have confidence that their home is safe and that they are loved and protected by their parents or other familiar adults. Children need frequent approval and encouragement.
Physical punishment is bad for a child's development.
If parents show approval of a child's behaviour, this encourages a child to be good. So it is important for parents to look out for good behaviour and to show their pleasure and approval. This is a much better way of teaching a child to behave than constant criticism, shouting, and punishment. Parents should show their delight when a child learns a new skill, however small. If the child receives no encouragement, or too much criticism, the desire to learn and develop new skills is reduced.