A Child's Ten Commandments for Parents
Author Unknown

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection
whenever I make my bed, draw a picture or throw a ball.
My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

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

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

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift; please treasure me as my Creator 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, not just your praise to grow.
Please go easy on the criticism;
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 own mistakes.
Then someday I will be prepared to make
the kind of decisions life will require of me.

8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure to your expectations.
I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me
to my brother or sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together.
Kids need a vacation from parents,
just as parents need vacations from kids.
Besides it's a great way to show us kids
that your marriage is very special.

10. Please set a good example for me to follow in all the ways of life. I enjoy watching the things you do and want to do them just like you do.