To Parents From Their Children

Call: DON'T SPOIL ME.

Response: I know quite well that I ought not to have all that I ask for. I'm only testing you.

Call: DON'T BE AFRAID TO TO BE FIRM WITH ME.

Response: I prefer it. It makes me feel more secure.

Call: DON'T PROTECT ME FROM CONSEQUENCES.

Response: I need to learn the painful way sometimes.

Call: DON'T LET ME FORM BAD HABITS.

Response: I have to rely on you to detect them in early stages.

Call: DON'T BE TOO UPSET WHEN I SAY "I HATE YOU."

Response: It isn't you that I hate but your power to thwart me.

Call: DON'T TAKE TOO MUCH NOTICE OF MY SMALL AILMENTS.

Response: I am quite capable of trading on them.

Call: DON'T FORGET THAT I CAN'T EXPLAIN MYSELF AS WELL AS I WOULD LIKE.

Response: This is why I am not always accurate.

Call: DON'T NAG.

Response: If you do I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.

Call: DON'T FORGET HOW QUICKLY I AM GROWING UP.

Response: It must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me, but please try.

Call: DON'T CORRECT ME IN FRONT OF PEOPLE IF YOU CAN HELP IT.

Response: I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.

Call: DON'T MAKE ME FEEL THAT MY MISTAKES ARE SINS.

Response: It upsets my sense of values.

Call: DON'T TAX MY HONESTY TOO MUCH.

Response: I am easily frightened into telling lies.

Call: DON'T FORGET THAT I CAN'T THRIVE WITHOUT LOTS OF UNDERSTANDING AND LOVE.

Resonse: But I don't need to tell you that, do I?

by Mildred Neville