Crying is one of the main means by which infants communicate needs and discomfort.  As children grow, they develop other capacities and strategies for communication and self-regulation. Individual children cry varying amounts and for a variety of reasons. Children may cry they feel hungry, wet, angry, sad, frustrated, scared and when they want to get the attention of someone or need something. It is important to try to understand why the child is crying in order to respond appropriately.  Offering children guidance in naming the emotions that children are feeling can help.