A Child’s Request

By Kathryn Kvols ,  ©2003

 

 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 though 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 though 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.
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♥  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.