Listen
Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
Or they won't be there to listen to you.
Listen today, whatever you do.
Or they won't be there to listen to you.
Listen to their problems, listen to their needs;
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds.
Tolerate their chatter; amplify their laughter;
Find out what's the matter; find out what they're after—
But tell them that you love them, every single night,
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them tight;
Tell them "Everything's all right—
Tomorrow's looking bright!"
Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
And they will come back to listen to you.
(from Dear Abby column 11-1-2001)