Life's Challenges - Poems - Parenting

Today I Taught

When I got mad and hit my child,
"For his own good", I reconciled;
And then I realized my plight....
Today I taught my child to fight.

When interrupted by the phone,
I said, "Tell them I'm not at home;"
And then I thought, and had to sigh...
Today I taught my child to lie.

I told the tax man what I made,
Forgetting cash that I was paid;
And then I blushed at this sad feat...
Today I taught my child to cheat.

I smugly copied a cassette,
To keep me free of one more debt;
But now the bells of shame must peal...
Today I taught my child to steal.

Today I cursed another race,
Oh God protect what I debase;
For now, I fear it is to late....
Today I taught my child to hate.

By my example children learn,
That I must lead in life's sojourn;
In such a way that they are led....
By what is done, not what is said.

Today I gave my child his due,
By praises for him instead of rue;
And now I have begun my guide....
Today I gave my child his pride.

I now have reconciled and paid,
To the IRS on all I made;
And now I know that this dear youth...
Today has learned from me of truth.

The alms I give are not for show,
And yet, this child must surely know;
That charity is worth the price....
Today he saw my sacrifice.

I clasp within a warm embrace,
My neighbor of another race;
The great commandment from above....
Today I taught my child to love.

Someday my child must face alone,
This world of fearsome undertone;
But I have blazed a sure pathway....
Today I taught my child to pray.

Author Unknown

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Only One Childhood

I stopped to watch my little girl
busy playing in her room.
In one hand was a plastic phone;
in the other a toy broom.

I listened as she was speaking
to her make believe little friend
and I'll never forget the words she said,
even though it was pretend.

She said "Suzie's in the corner
cuz she's not been very good.
She didn't listen to a word I said
or do the things she should."

In the corner I saw her baby doll
all dressed in lace and pink.
It was obvious she'd been put there
to sit alone and think.

My daughter continued her "conversation,"
as I sat down on the floor.
She said, "I'm all fed up I just don't know
what to do with her anymore.

She whines whenever I have to work
and wants to play games, too;
and never lets me do the things
that I just have to do.

She tries to help me with the dishes,
but her arms just cannot reach
and she doesn't know how to fold the towels
and I don't have time to teach.

I have a lot of work to do
and a big house to keep clean.
I don't have time to sit and play--
don't you know what I mean?"

And that day I thought a lot about
making some changes in my life;
as I listened to her innocent words
that cut me like a knife.

I hadn't been paying enough attention
to what I hold most dear.
I'd been caught up in responsibilities
that increased throughout the year.

But now my attitude has changed
because, in my heart, I realize
I've seen the world in a different light
through my little darling's eyes.

So, let the cobwebs have the corners
and the dust bunnies rule the floor,
I'm not going to worry about
keeping up with them any more.

I'm going to fill the house with memories
of a child and her mother
for God grants us only ONE childhood,
and we will never get another.

Author Unknown

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To My Child....

This morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
This morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
This morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
This morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
This afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and leave the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
This afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you ice cream if he comes by.
This afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
This afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and won't stand over you trying to fix them.
This afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
This evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story about how you were born and how much I love you.
This evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
This evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
This evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and forget about my favorite TV shows.
This evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
This evening, when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer; then I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing else, except one more day....

Author unknown

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Prints of Elbows on My Bed

I was but a youth and thoughtless, As all youths are apt to be;
Though I had a Christian mother Who had taught me carefully.

There came a time when pleasure Of the world came to allure,
And I no more sought the guidance Of her love so good and pure.

Her tender admonitions fell But lightly on my ear,
And for the gentle warnings I felt an inward sneer.

But Mother would not yield her boy To Satan's sinful sway,
And though I spurned her counsel She knew a better way.

She made my room an altar, A place of secret prayer,
And there she took her burden And left it in His care.

And morning, noon and evening By that humble bedside low,
She sought the aid of Him who Understands a mother's woe.

And I went my way unheeding, Careless of the life I led,
Until one day I noticed Prints of elbows on my bed.

Then I saw that she had been there Praying for her wayward boy,
Who for love of worldly pleasure Would her peace of mind destroy.

Long the conflict raged within me, Sin against my Mother's prayers,
Sin must yield - for Mother never While she daily met Him there.

And her constant love and patience Were like coals upon my head,
Together with the imprints Of her elbows on my bed.

And so at last the fight was won, And I to Christ was led,
And Mother's prayers were answered By her elbows on my bed.

Author unknown

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Take A Moment To Listen Today

Take A Moment To Listen Today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
Or they won't be there to listen to you.

Listen to their problems, listen to their needs
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds.
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what's the matter, find out what they're after

But tell them that you love them, every single night,
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them tight
Tell them, 'Everything's all right --
Tomorrow's looking bright!

Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
And they will come back to listen to you.

Author Unknown

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Reflections of a Mother

I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.

I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.

I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.

I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

I can love you with unconditional love all of my life . . . and I will!!!

Always, Mom

Author Unknown

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Little Eyes and Little Hands


THERE ARE LITTLE EYES UPON YOU
AND THEY'RE WATCHING NIGHT AND DAY.
THERE ARE LITTLE EARS THAT QUICKLY
TAKE IN EVERYTHING YOU SAY.


THERE ARE LITTLE HANDS ALL EAGER
TO DO ANYTHING YOU DO;
AND A LITTLE BOY WHO'S DREAMING
OF THE DAY HE'LL BE LIKE YOU.


YOU'RE THE FELLOW'S IDOL,
YOU'RE THE WISEST OF THE WISE.
IN HIS MIND ABOUT YOU
NO SUSPICIONS EVER RISE.


HE BELIEVES IN YOU DEVOUTLY
HOLD ALL YOU SAY AND DO
HE WILL SAY AND DO, IN YOUR WAY
WHEN HE'S GROWN UP JUST LIKE YOU.


THERE'S A WIDE EYED LITTLE FELLOW
WHO BELIEVES YOU'RE ALWAYS RIGHT;
AND HIS EYES ARE ALWAYS OPENED,
AND HE WATCHES DAY AND NIGHT.


YOU ARE SETTING AN EXAMPLE
EVERYDAY IN ALL YOU DO;
FOR THE LITTLE BOY WHO'S WAITING
TO GROW UP TO BE LIKE YOU.

Author Unknown

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A Daughters Poem

To a father with a daughter
please listen I beg
For the sake of your child
please hear what is said.

From the day she is born
her eyes look to you.
Her picture of God
is mirrored there too.

So please if you're listening
take special care
to handle her gently
to handle with prayer.

If you touch her in ways
she should never know,
In the mirror she will see
a god who is unprotective and cold.

If you make her keep secrets
that she's told not to mention,
In the mirror she will see
a god of dissension.

If your arms never hold her
and your ears never hear,
in the mirror she will see
that God doesn't care.

If the mirror she looks into
is cloudy and smeared,
the god she will see
she will never let near.

If you're quick to condemn her
in the mirror she will see,
a god who rejects her,
and is always displeased.

If your voice is raised
and your hand swift to bruise,
in the mirror she will see
A god of anger and abuse.

If you put down your wife
her eyes focus in,
in the mirror she will see
a god just for men.

If you fail in your word
and don't carry through,
in the mirror she will see
God's words are untrue.

If you pack up your bags
and your love she's denied,
in the mirror she will see
A god that will cast her aside.

A god that's unfaithful
a god that's untrue
a god that will hurt you,
it's all up to you.

You see as her father,
she looks to you now,
to show her the God
of creation somehow.

Father be careful
each step of the way,
is a footprint to God
she will step in someday.

By the mirror that she looked in
by that she'll decide
to stop at the cross ...
or simply walk right on by.

by anonymous

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