(1)

In one household, every evening the children would whine, cry, and then get beaten by their mother. As a result, they cried even more loudly until they finally fell asleep.

What could be the reason for their crying?

It was the pain of hunger. The mother usually began cooking quite late. The children spent the whole day running, climbing trees, and engaging in various lively activities. By evening, they naturally were tired, hungry and sleepy. Since the food was not ready, they cried. Instead of getting hot chapati, they got a good beating.

Often, small children—even when they can speak—cannot correctly express physical needs such as “I am hungry,” “I am thirsty,” “I am tired,” “I feel sleepy,” or “I feel hot.” This is observed even in children of seven or eight years. Moreover, even when children do say such things, adults, busy with their own work, often pay little attention. What else can the poor child do but cry?

(2)

There was a child who cried constantly. The mother carried it around, family members tried to amuse it, and the mother repeatedly fed it milk. Yet the child continued to cry. What was the reason?

The cause was the mother’s ignorance. The child was six months old, and the mother herself was quite young, and illiterate. She did whatever the elders in the household told her. When the child cried, the elders would say, “Carry the baby, feed it. Its throat has gone dry from crying.” The poor mother obeyed and fed the child whenever it cried. But what if the child cried because of stomach cramps? Or because bedbugs or mosquitoes troubled it? Or because of ear pain? Or because ants were biting it? The young mother had no idea. Feeding gave the child temporary relief, but until the root cause was removed, how could the crying stop? Moreover, feeding repeatedly without hunger caused the child’s stomach to get upset. Adding more milk to an already disturbed stomach only worsened the condition. Because of the mother’s ignorance, the poor child had no option but to cry.

(3)

Another example: A two-and-a-half year old child looked much smaller for his age. His stomach was large, his arms and legs thin, and his face lacked brightness or cheerfulness. By constant crying, he exhausted himself and those around him. Everyone called him ‘cry baby.’ The mother had her own work and needed rest, but what could she do? How many nights could she stay awake? To quiet the child, she gave him something to eat, sometimes a pacifier, or repeatedly fed it milk. At times she carried him around or placed toys before him. Yet the child continued to cry. Why?

The reason was the child’s poor physical condition and bodily discomfort. Because he was fed at irregular times, his stomach was upset, causing cramps and preventing sleep. Due to physical weakness, toys or play did not interest him. Nothing held his attention, and the adults around grew weary and sometimes even beat him. The child was labeled with terms like ‘cry baby,’ but the real cause was his physical state. If the parents gave proper medicine, ensured suitable exercise, and maintained regularity in food, the crying would stop and the child would be happy.

(4)

Another child was losing weight as she grew, instead of growing and becoming strong. The household had plenty of food, and the child could get whatever she wanted. The parents gave her sweet dishes, confections, peppermint, and similar items. Yet the child cried constantly. Neither the child nor the parents understood the reason. No one scolded or beat her. She was given the toys she wanted. Still, most of the day and night was spent crying and being stubborn. The parents were eager to indulge her wishes, but it made no difference. What was the reason?

Here, the parents’ excessive and unnecessary care was the cause. The proper way to make the child healthy should have been sought with a doctor’s advice. By giving whatever food the child demanded, instead of becoming strong, she became greedy and insatiable. Her body deteriorated, and this was the root cause of her crying.

(Original Marathi article first published in Shikshan Patrika, Year 3, July 1935)