"Give me more than food to nourish me. Give me the warmth and the security of your love.

Let me enjoy all five senses. Give me plenty of things to look at, to feel, to smell, to listen to, to taste. And even some things to break.

Teach me to take my turn. Watch me play so you can see how I am trying to work out my problems and what I am up against. When you tell me to do something, please tell me why I should do it. Let me feel that I am a contributing member of the family. And be sure to include me in making the family plans when you can.
Please don't keep me your baby when I want to feel grown up. Don't transfer your fears to me. I have enough of my own to cope with and I don't need any more.

Help me not to act out when I am angry. But don't make me so afraid of showing anger that I lose my capacity to feel strongly about anything.

Let me learn bit by bit to bear pain, to want things but to be strong enough to postpone gratification of certain feelings I am not ready to experience.

Let me try out my new powers as my body develops—to creep, to stand, to walk, climb, jump, and run when I am ready. Don't limit the natural needs of my body because you have some unresolved hang-ups. Give me a little corner in the house that is all mine and nobody else's. I need moments of peace and quiet that cannot be invaded by anyone.

Give me my share of consideration and attention. I must know every day, even if for just a few moments, that I am the only one you are thinking about and loving.

Let me ask any question that pops into my head. Don't make me ashamed for having asked it, even if it seems stupid. And give me as honest an answer as you can. If you don't know the answer, please say so. It's good training to hear someone say "I don't know, but I will try to find out for you."

Be patient with me when I don't do things very well at first. Remember, I have so many things to learn and almost everything takes some practice. Above all, grant me, without reservation, your debt to me— unconditional love. For if I know it is there, I will be able to give the same to my children—and they will be able to give it to their children.

 YOUR CHILD (Author Unknown) reprinted in Purposeful Play with Your Preschooler: A Learning Based Activity Book by Teresa M. Hauck & Anthony C. Maffei, 1992:55. Available at Questia.com.

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