Things our children would say...

I was going through old books last week trying my hardest to part with at least a few. I was looking through a book "Lists to Live by" which is just what it says- a book of various lists that pertain to all aspects of life. I use to use it to find neat things to print and hand out to my mental health clients. I found a list that meant nothing to me back then but was so neat to me now, two children later. If our little ones could explain their feelings, these are the things they would be saying. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

18 Memos From Your Child from "Lists to Live By" by Gray, Stephens, & Van Diest

Don't spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all I ask for. I'm testing you.
Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer itlit makes me feel more secure.
Don't let me form bad habits.I have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.
Don't make me feel smaller than I already am. It only makes me behave stupidly big.
Don't correct me in front of people if you can help me. 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's not you I hate but your power to thwart me.
Don't take too much notice of my small ailments. Sometimes they get me the attention I need.
Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
Don't make rash promises. Remember that I feel badly let down when they are broken.
Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I should like. That is why I'm not always very accurate.
Don't be inconsistent. This completely confuses me and make me lose faith in you.
Don't tell my my fears are silly. They are terribly real to me and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.
Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do you will find that I will stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.
Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. It gives me too great a shock when I discover you are neither.
Don't ever think it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.
Don't forget how quickly I am growing up. It must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me, but please try.
Don't forget I need lots of understanding and love.