2.01.2013

A Child’s Ten Commandments
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. I enjoy learning more about God.

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