Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A Child's Ten Commandments to Parents

My three babies, my joy, my world!
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 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 such a short time—please take 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 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, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; 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 kind of 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 to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations 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 take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow.

by Dr. Kevin Leman

I think sometimes as parents we can get so caught up in the day to day "routines" of parenting that we lose focus of the big picture...our job as parents.  It is the greatest, most awesome job we will ever have.  It is the most rewarding, but also the toughest and most draining both physically and mentally.  We need daily renewal, prayer, and motivation!  I hope this in some small way might motivate you as it did me.  
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6 comments, add yours here:

Anonymous said...

Awesome list

Crazy Working Mom said...

Thanks, Jamie. I saw this on Pintrest and knew I needed to post it here. I just love it...and it makes me realize how much work I have to do as a Mom!

Memoirs of Me & Mine said...

I love that. Thanks so much for sharing that.
http://www.memoirsofmeandmine.com/

Crazy Working Mom said...

You're so very welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it. :D

Camp Stanhope Happenings said...

Will pass this on to my expectant niece! Thanks.

Crazy Working Mom said...

You're welcome. I hope she enjoys it and congrats to her!! :)