Dear Parents - aka Mum and Dad,

Don't give me all I ask for, most of the time I am just testing you. Please don't spoil me.

Watch me well; I don't want to develop bad habits I'll only regret later.

Be firm with me; I prefer it like that. I feel secure if I know the limits I can go to.

Don't over-protect me; I need to know the consequences of my actions sometimes, even though it may hurt to find out the hard way.

Don't nag me or I'll pretend to be deaf; then when you need me to hear you, I may not be listening properly.

Please don't tell me off in front of people. I'll listen much better if you tell me on my own.

Don't tell me I am bad, or make me feel my mistakes are terrible sins.  It is my behaviour that's bad sometimes not me.

Please don't take it to heart if I say I hate you; I don't mean it. I am just mixed up and upset sometimes and I can't think of any other way to get to you. Sometimes you seem so invincible and powerful.

Please be consistent. I don't know where I am if one minute I can do a thing and the next I can't.

Please don't belittle me. I may be smaller than you but I have big feelings.

Please don't tell me not to be silly.  My fears may be silly to you, but to me they are very real. Tell me you understand; this really reassures me.

Please listen to me when I ask questions. If you don't listen often enough, I will go elsewhere to ask them, and may get the wrong answers and be misled.

We are not all perfect. When you are wrong and apologise, it makes me love you all the more for being honest and truthful with me.

The world is a very new, exciting place for me. I just love experimenting. Please put up with me without getting cross; it won't last long. I'll be grown up very soon.

Please don't forget I sometimes find it difficult to express myself.  I don't know the words to say, so I don't always say what I really mean.

I know I am growing up quickly and it is sometimes hard for you to keep up with me, but do try. I need you.

Please look after yourself and keep fit and healthy. -  I need you.

Keep your own life and hobbies up, and be happy and contented. I need someone to look up to and respect. I need an example to model myself on.

Please remember, no matter what I do or say, or how old I get, I thrive on love and understanding.

Please tell me you love me every day, and no matter how old I get, I'll always love a cuddle.

Yours faithfully,

Your Kids xx

P.S. I love you (even though I forget to tell you some sometimes).

source: Bray Health Centre,Co.Wicklow