1) Toddlers between the ages of 1-3 experience intense emotional changes as they want independence but lack skills, becoming frustrated and angry when needs aren't met.
2) Ensuring adequate sleep, nutrition, physical activity and preparing toddlers for changes can help minimize crying and tantrums.
3) Toddlers cry to express emotions when they can't yet use words, but may also cry deliberately to get what they want, so parents must differentiate real upset from whining.