Caren Krutsinger | + Follow Poet |
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I Do Not Have Time For That Nonsense

The child is out of control, angry, mad, mean.
Teachers have their theories about what the kid wants as a reward
For doing his work, to stay in his own space,
to leave his classmates alone to stop yelling.
They think he will want to eat lunch with the principal.
He will want to have extra computer time.
He will want to have a talk with the coach for ten minutes a week.
They come up with a list of one hundred things he probably wants.
One teacher asks the child. What does he want?
He wants his mother to put him on her lap and say she loves him.
The teacher calls the mother to put in the request.
The mother says “I don’t have time for that nonsense.”
The teacher thinks she is kidding, but she is not.
Where do they go from here?

Copyright © Caren Krutsinger | Year Posted 2019

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Rhona Mcferran Date: 9/11/2019 8:30:00 PM This is why they need more people like you in the school systems... you may not be able to "fix" the problem, but at least the child was heard, valued, and stood up for by SOMEONE! Keep up the great work (and writing)! Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/12/2019 7:11:00 AM I was on the other end of the phone, stunned. And sad.

Ilene Bauer Date: 9/11/2019 3:25:00 PM this is so sad, caren, and i'm sorry to learn that it's a true story. isn't it amazing how kids know exactly what they need yet those who can provide it are often unwilling or unable to give it... Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/12/2019 7:12:00 AM "He is too old for that," she told me. She had another couple of little ones - three and one, and he was six. Grow up KID!

Sandra Adams Date: 9/11/2019 11:35:00 AM i had students want to stay on the late bus and be the last stop because they only stayed after so they didn't have to go home to an empty house, shame parents are too busy working and with life they forget about or neglect their impressionable children...poignant but good write ....hugs Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/11/2019 1:02:00 PM It is sad to me that some children live with insensitive parents.

James Edward Lee Sr. Date: 9/11/2019 11:26:00 AM The teacher calls the mother to put in the request. The mother says “I don’t have time for that nonsense.” The teacher thinks she is kidding, but she is not. Where do they go from here? (We better all make time) In this these times of civil unrest, no more spankings in schools, don't touch my child even righteously-humanitarian.. Even a child NEEDS Love, A hug, non sensual and not perverting... Let's LOVE all are children.. Great write James Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/11/2019 1:03:00 PM Thank you James. I wish this was not a true story, but it is.

Besma Riabi Dziri Date: 9/11/2019 1:36:00 AM "that nonsense" is of paramount importance to the child! Love and care are a foundation of a balanced and fulfilled soul.. well and cleverly presented.. a great pleasure to read your poetry, Caren.. My deepest regards and blessings. Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/11/2019 1:03:00 PM Thank you so much Besma. I appreciate you stopping by.

Hilo Poet Date: 9/11/2019 12:28:00 AM Ah, disciplinary action has missed its mark, in this case, it was horribly been misdirected--methinks judicial intervention is needed and corporal punishment is severely issued--verbally that is--softy you!@#$%^& Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/11/2019 1:03:00 PM It is so sad to me.