All parents (and probably non-parents) have heard it. That annoying little shriek that emanates from the depths of a toddler’s throat. It isn’t quite a cry, but it sounds a smidge more “painful” than a whine.
It can be caused by ANYTHING – a simple fall on a diaper-padded butt, being hungry or full, thirsty or quenched, reading this book instead of that book, not turning the page or lifting some already-ripped flap quick enough, being picked up or put down, getting a diaper change (you’re complaining that your ass will be dry?), wanting more or less of that snack. A-NY-THING.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, The Chrine.
The Chrine isn’t real crying (there are no tears) and it isn’t full whining (there isn’t enough conviction). It’s a quick hit to the ear drum, followed by an utterly confused, “What now!?” yelled by the parents from wherever they may be within earshot of The Chrine, knowing damn well that NOTHING is wrong. It causes just enough worry to not be mere background noise, but not enough panic to warrant its full attention.
In my toddler’s defense, her language skills are still in development, so her ability to express anything is limited – she says four words, one of which means about 20 different things. But why in the world would the stork gods choose this sound to represent what seems like every toddler emotion? It’s about as decipherable as the matrix.
Isabel is already showing her personality when she doesn’t get her way, and luckily she’s small enough that we can easily control her and remove her from any situations that might become embarrassing. However, this child is another story. And this mother has the patience of a saint.
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