Parenting: Ideal and Real

The Ideal

Parent:  Talk to us we’re listening

Child:  I’m so blessed to have parents who listen

P:   Talk to us, we’ll try to understand

C:   You guys have always been so understanding

P:   Talk to us you have our undivided attention

C:   You always give me all the attention that I need

P:   Talk to us because we’re here for you

C:   With all you do you are always there for me

P:   Talk to us because we care

C:   I’ve always felt cared for

P:   Talk to us any time, anywhere

C:   If I need help you are there for me no matter where I am or what time it is

P:   Talk to us even though sometimes we’re busy

C:   I appreciate that you always take time from your busy schedule to listen to me

P:   Talk to us even though sometimes we’re weary

C:   I love that if I have really needed to talk you are there even when you seem tired

P:   Talk to us when you have a problem deary

P:   Talk to us and we’ll help as best we can

P:   Talk to us and explain your situation

P:   Talk to us and we’ll talk to you too

P:   Talk to us and together we’ll figure out what to do

C:  You always try your best to help no matter what the problem is

C:   I love you guys

When you dreamed of being parents isn’t that how life was supposed to be?

You love your kids and they do their best to make you pleased?

At least that’s how we thought it should be.

And then they become tweens and teens.

Evidently something we didn’t foresee.

   

The Real

P:   Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my cup of tea

C:   I really need to talk right now and you’re only worried about your needs

P:   We’ll do our best to understand, no guarantees

C:   I see you watching me but do you understand me?

P:   What was that? My mind started wandering

C:   Did you even hear me? Don’t you care?

P:   I’ve got things to do so talk as we walk

C:   I feel hurt and frustrated

P:   We can’t talk to you all the time especially at work

C:   I feel like you wouldn’t be there for me in an emergency 

P:   We’re busy all the time we will have to set an appointment to talk

C:   I'm your child! Why do I have to make an appointment to talk with you?

P:   We’re too pooped to think can we talk later?

C:   I love you guys but you’re always too tired to hear me!

P:   Why didn’t you tell us you had a problem?

C:   I tried but you kept pushing me away!

P:   Do you know what time it is?

C:   It’s time you actually listened to me and helped me!

P:   I don’t know if we can do anything about it now!

C:   Whatever!

P:   You better tell us everything and fast!

C:   Oh so now you’re listening, after there’s trouble?

P:   I’m so angry with you I can’t even speak!

C:   I guess that makes two of us!

P:   I guess you want us to bail you out again?

C:   Whatever!

Not every day will be so bad

Not every day will be so sad

There will be happy times

There will be proud times

And then your life can turn on a dime

Love the good as well as the bad

Be grateful for the days you all are glad

Your children aren’t with you forever and a day

Let them know you love them even if they are far away

Although they can turn your hair so gray

That love is what keeps their demons at bay

Namaste