A CHILD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS
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.
+
My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don’t restrict me unnecessarily.
+
Housework will always be there. I’m only little a short time – please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world.
+
My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don’t criticize me for being young, curious, and adventuresome. (You wouldn’t want to be criticized for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
+
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.
+
I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
+
Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I may learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions life requires.
+
Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. Please don’t compare me to my brother or sister.
I am myself.
+
Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids.
+
Please take me to worship regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God, with other people of all ages.