a poem for parents

In cleaning out my stuff (I save almost everything), I found this poem that was given to the parents at the beginning of preschool (who knows from which child.)  But I like it and it's a darn good reminder of things that I know I can sometimes forget in the day to day job of parenting.  I hope you enjoy it...

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To The Parents From Their Children

Don't spoil me- I know quite well that I ought not to have all I ask for.
I'm only testing you.

Don't be afraid to be firm with me.  I prefer it.
It makes me feel more secure.

Don't correct me in front of people if you can help it.
I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.

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 protect me from consequences.
I need to learn the painful way,  sometimes.

Don't take too much notice of my small ailments.
I am quite capable of trading on them.

Don't make rash promises.
Remember that I feel badly let down when promises are broken.

Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I should like.
That is why I am not always accurate.

Don't tax my honesty too  much,
I am easily frightened into telling lies.

Don't be inconsistent.
That completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.

Don't ever think it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me
and an honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.

Don't forget that I cannot thrive without lots of understanding love,
but I don't need to tell you that, do I?

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Wow, that's good stuff.  And now that I have it saved, I can throw one thing away!!  Woot!