10 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 I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not yet seen the world as your have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

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

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. 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.

6. I need your encouragement to grow. 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 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. I know it's hard, but please don't compare me to my brother or my sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parent need vacations from kids.

10. Please take me to Sunday School and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow.