MEMOS FROM YOUR CHILD
Don't spoil me. I know quite well I shouldn't have all I ask for. I am only testing you.
Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it. It makes me secure.
Don't let me form bad habits. I have to relay on you to detect them in the early stages.
Don't make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly "big".
Don't correct me in front of people if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly in private.
Don't protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes.
Don't let me feel my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values.
Don't be too upset when I say "I hate you". It isn't you I hate, but your power to thwart me.
Don't take too much notice of my small alments. Sometimes they get me the attention I need.
Don't nag - if you do, I'll have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
Don't make rash promises, I feel badly let down when promises are broken.
Don't forget that I can't explain myself as well as I'd like. This is why I am not always very accurate.
Don't tax my honesty too much. I'm easily frightened into telling lies.
Don't critizice me for small unimportant details. It maskes me grow negative feelings toward you and your opinions.
Don't be inconsistent. It completely confuses me and makes me lose my faith in you.
Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do, you'll find I stop asking and seek information elsewhere.
Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real.
Don't ever suggest that you're perfect or infallible. It gives me too great a shock when I find out you are neither.
Don't ever think it's beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me surprisingly warm toward you.
Don't forget I love experimenting. I can't get on without it, so please put up with it.
Don't forget how quickly I'm growing up, it must be hard to keep pace with me, but please try.
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