Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

Pick Her Up When She Cries

Pick her up when she cries, one said.
Never pick her up, said another. You will spoil her.
Love her, said grandma.
 
When do I pick her up? The young mother asked.
Three times a day, one answered.
Don’t ever pick her up, another stated. You will spoil her.
Whenever you want to, the grandma told her.
 
Now? The young mother asked.
Do you want to?
Yes.
Then what do you think?
I should pick her up?
 
The grandma smiled.
Knowing it will be easier for the young mother the next time around.

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M. L. Kiser November 6, 2018 at 11:23 AM Good advice; I've known people who thought it was best to let the child cry itself to sleep; not only is that cruel but it can be dangerous if the child is crying because it's ill. Caren Krutsinger November 6, 2018 at 11:24 AM Thank you M.L. I am so glad you "get it".

Rhona Mcferran November 4, 2018 at 7:31 PM TERRIFIC! Love how you 'balanced' the opinions with the wise Grandma's advice- wonderful!!! I also love your comment about people bonding with their children- "hold them against your heart every day until they cannot stand it and push you away"... wish more would take this advice! Caren Krutsinger November 5, 2018 at 7:11 AM I see children who have all kinds of conditions with the most stand-offish-unlovable-parents standing sternly around them with pinched angry faces and crossed arms and I think "were you ever loved?"

Mahtab Bangalee November 4, 2018 at 4:41 AM The grandma smiled. /// this smiling is the sign of experience ! //// written brilliantly Caren Krutsinger November 4, 2018 at 6:02 AM Thanks you Mahtab. I am the grandma of ten children, and I pick them up so much it is crazy; but they are loved.

Quoth Theraven November 3, 2018 at 11:47 PM I how I would, if I only could... lift her up. Thank you Caren. -Richard Caren Krutsinger November 4, 2018 at 6:03 AM Thank you. It was my pleasure!

Andrea Dietrich November 3, 2018 at 8:54 PM This was great seeing the differing opinions. They all try to confuse us!! What they really need to tell ya is how to stop the crying when it's happening all the time!!! Good one, Caren Caren Krutsinger November 4, 2018 at 6:04 AM Thank you Andrea. I am seeing a pattern in certain mothers and children with certain conditions. I say "please bond with your children. Please pick them up and cuddle them and love them and hold them against your heart every day until they cannot stand it and push you away.

Susan Ashley November 3, 2018 at 8:05 PM Oh, I just love grandma and the kind wisdom and spirit of your tender poem, Caren. Your poem is beautifully crafted with wonderful emotion and I especially love your final two lines. Excellent and touching poetry. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan Caren Krutsinger November 4, 2018 at 6:06 AM Thank you Susan. I was a young mother, and I wanted to breast feed, but both grandmothers were totally against it, saying how much formula was best. I finally gave up, but by the time number three came along I was 26 and I did breast feed, and I loved it! She was my healthiest baby by far.