If Dad says "Yes" - Mum says "No".
Straight answers from them I never know.
What are the rules today?
Mum insists "Don't dare to lie.
Of course your hamster didn't die".
Dad often shouts "Don't hit your brother" yet Friday nights he beats up Mother......
What are the rules today?
If Mum and Dad could agree,
on rules for disciplining me,
I'd know the rules each day.
My life would then be more clear.
Could bad behaviour disappear?
No more showing off at school,
Acting BIG to just look cool....
I'd know the rules each day.
No more need for lighting fires.
No more mimicking of liars.
Stealing and sniffing glue could stop.
Good-bye to behaviour that's over the top !
So Mum and Dad please PARENT ME in a FIRM CONSISTENT WAY.
Then I can feel SECURE- and CLEAR WHICH RULES APPLY - EACH DAY !
A poem by Deborah Meanley used by permission.
Dr Deborah Meanley is a clinical assistant in Child Psychiatry and Family Therapy in East Yorkshire.
She has worked with children for the past 20 years.
