|
A Child’s Request
By Kathryn Kvols
Dear Mommy and Daddy,
Hold me, touch me, snuggle me often… for it is through your love that I flourish.
Watch me, listen to me, and don’t hurry our time together. Even though you’ve read “Green Eggs and Ham” a thousand times, put your heart into it –and no skippin’ pages… for I judge my importance by how important I am to you.
I will remember your open arms and the way that your face lights up when you see me more than the fancy clothes you buy me. I will remember your butterfly kisses, dancing in the rain with you and our shaving cream fights long after the toys you buy me.
Be patient and seek to understand me… for it is through our interactions that I learn to interact with others.
Value my wants no matter how silly they seem to you… for it is here that I learn that what I want is important.
Be firm with me even when I’m screaming at the grocery store… for it is through your courage to be firm that I learn to stick to my convictions.
Don’t bribe me, reward me or punish me… for you rob me of the opportunity to listen to my own internal voice.
Please don’t yell or hit me… for this teaches me to use force to get my way.
Forgive yourself quickly… for my spirit is resilient.
Instead of remembering my footprints on the inside of your windshield, my dirty socks full of sand and the magic marker on the wall, remember the day I discovered my shadow, my arms around your neck and the delight of my giggles.
At the end of our bad days, remind yourself of how much you love me. Watch me while I sleep. Marvel at my eyelashes, cheekbones and fingertips.
When my teacher calls or when I get in a fight, assume the best of me and expect the best for me.
.Stand by me, and yet let me fight my own battles… for it is here that I develop confidence and build character.
Let me watch respect and cooperation flow between you two…for it is here that I learn how to interact with the other sex. Having a good relationship is one of the greatest gifts you can give me.
As I grow up, support my ever-changing dreams. I need someone to believe in me when I don’t.
Trust me as a teen, even though there is no evidence that you should. Trust that you have taught me well.
Even though I make you walk far behind at the mall or not allow you to kiss me in public, I still need you.
Allow me to express who I am and make my life’s decisions, even though they may differ from yours.
Lastly, make nothing other than God more important than our family…for it is here that I discover who I am.
Kathryn Kvols is the author of the best selling book and parenting course, "Redirecting Children's Behavior." She is an international speaker and the president of the International Network for Children and Families. She can be reached at 352-375-6498 or you can view other helpful articles at website at www.redirectingbehavior.com
|
