A Child's Ten Commandments
to Parents  


1.  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.  

2.  My eyes have not seen
the world as yours have. 
Please let me explore safely. 
Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

  3.  Housework will always be there. 
I'm only little for such
a short time.
Please take time to explain
things to me about
this wonderful world,
and do so willingly.

  4.  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.

  5.  I am a special gift from God. 
Please treasure me, holding me
accountable for my actions.

  6.  I need your encouragement
and your praise to grow. 
Please go easy on the criticism. 
Remember, you can criticize
the things I do without
criticizing me.  

7.  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 kind
of decisions life requires of me.  

8.  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
with my brother or my sister.  

9.  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.  

10.  Please take me
to worship regularly,
setting a good example
for me to follow.
 
Author Unknown