Crying

A mother's knowledge of her baby's cry and the instinct as to the required response are amazing results of evolution. Being around my young grandchildren now, refreshes my memory about the types of crying. From the whining to the serious hard cry of injury, isn't it amazing how quickly caregivers learn a child's cry?

Young children quickly learn how to 'get' to us with their crying. Our oldest granddaughter, Sylvie, has our number and it's taken determination and patience to ignore the crying when it's the result of a 'no' from her grandfather and I. 

Sylvie is a great little three year old person. She loves to play, watch Dora, do ballerina moves, listen to stories, 'play' with her sister until Caitlin touches something of hers. Sylvie is learning the meaning of 'no' and Nanny and Poppy Smith are re-learning what they did with her mother. However it's really hard as a grandparent to hear that sweet little girl cry and not cuddle or give in to her when she cries for something that can be so easily done or fixed. Raising Claire, the choice was easier because we were busier I think. We didn't have time to coddle her even if we were so inclined.

It's incredible that discipline gives children a sense of security, one of the important needs of all people. The sense of security that comes with routine and knowing where the boundaries are help create a person who is a contributing member of society. 

Meanwhile that cute face is contorted in misery that looks sad enough to break your heart, forcing tears that are reluctant to come. And so easily fixed by giving in....