"A Child's Ten Commandments to Parents"
I
My hands are small; please don't
expect perfection whenever I make a
bed, draw a picture or throw a ball.
My legs are short; please slow
down so that I can keep up with you.
II
My eyes have not seen the world as
yours have; please let me explore
safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.
III
Housework will always be there. I'm
only little for a short time, please
take time to explain things to me
about this wonderful world and do so willingly.
IV
My feelings are tender; please be
sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me
all day long. (You wouldn't want to
be nagged for your inquisitiveness).
Treat me as you would like to be treated.
V
I am a special gift from God;
please treasure me as God intended you to
do, holding me accountable for my
actions, giving me guidelines to live
by and disciplining me in a loving manner.
VI
I need your encouragement to
grow. Please go easy on the
criticism; remember, you can
criticize the things I do without
criticizing me.
VII
Please give me the freedom to make
decisions concerning myself.
Permit me to fail, so that I can learn
from my mistakes. Then someday
I'll be prepared to make the kinds of
decisions that life requires of me.
VIII
Please don't do things over for me.
Somehow that makes me feel that
my efforts didn't quite measure up
to your expectations. I know it's
hard, but please don't try to
compare me to my brother or sister.
IX
Please don't be afraid to leave for a
weekend together. Kids need
vacations from parents, just as
parents need vacations from kids.
Besides, it's a great way to show us
kids that your marriage is very special.
X
Please take me to Sunday School
and church or synagogue
regularly, setting a good example
for me to follow.
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