A Child's Request
A list of requests your child would make if they knew how to:
By Kathryn Kvols
Dear Mommy and Daddy,
♥ Hold me, touch me, snuggle me often… for it is through your love that I flourish.
♥ Watch me, listen to me, and don’t hurry our time together. Even though you’ve read “Green Eggs and Ham” a thousand times, put your heart into it –and no skippin’ pages… for I judge my importance by how important I am to you.
♥ I will remember your open arms and the way that your face lights up when you see me more than the fancy clothes you buy me. I will remember your butterfly kisses, dancing in the rain with you and our shaving cream fights long after the toys you buy me.
♥ Be patient and seek to understand me… for it is through our interactions that I learn to interact with others.
♥ Value my wants no matter how silly they seem to you… for it is here that I learn that what I want is important.
♥ Be firm with me even when I’m screaming at the grocery store… for it is through your courage to be firm that I learn to stick to my convictions.
♥ Don’t bribe me, reward me or punish me… for you rob me of the opportunity to listen to my own internal voice.
♥ Please don’t yell or hit me… for this teaches me to use force to get my way.
♥ Forgive yourself quickly… for my spirit is resilient.
♥ Instead of remembering my footprints on the inside of your windshield, my dirty socks full of sand and the magic marker on the wall, remember the day I discovered my shadow, my arms around your neck and the delight of my giggles.
♥ At the end of our bad days, remind yourself of how much you love me. Watch me while I sleep. Marvel at my eyelashes, cheekbones and fingertips.
♥ When my teacher calls or when I get in a fight, assume the best of me and expect the best for me.
♥ Stand by me, and yet let me fight my own battles… for it is here that I develop confidence and build character.
♥ Let me watch respect and cooperation flow between you two…for it is here that I learn how to interact with the other sex. Having a good relationship is one of the greatest gifts you can give me.
♥ As I grow up, support my ever-changing dreams. I need someone to believe in me when I don’t.
♥ Trust me as a teen, even though there is no evidence that you should. Trust that you have taught me well.
♥ Even though I make you walk far behind at the mall or not allow you to kiss me in public, I still need you.
♥ Allow me to express who I am and make my life’s decisions, even though they may differ from yours.
♥ Lastly, make nothing other than God more important than our family… for it is here that I discover who I am.
​
© INCAF 1998-2017