Five-Year Old Joe Is Crying Because His Favorite Aunt Is

Multiple Choice

Five-year old Joe is crying because his favorite aunt is moving away.His parents are in the kitchen arguing about how to respond to the situation.Joe's father wants to tell him "big boys don't cry." Joe's mother wants to tell him "it is okay to cry when you feel sad." According to research,which response will be most helpful for Joe?

A) Joe's father's response
B) Joe's father's response,but only because Joe is a boy.For girls,Joe's mother's response would be more helpful
C) Joe's mother's response
D) Joe's mother's response,but only because Joe is around preschool age.For older children,Joe's father's response would be more helpful