Conference moira::parenting_v3

    My girlfriend has a similar poem hanging up in her kitchen.  It
    has something to do with the fact that the dust can wait because
    it will always be there, but babies won't because they grow too
    fast.  If I remember, I'll call her and get the poem.  It's kinda
    short, but sweet.
    
    - K
    

    Kathryn -

    Is this what you were thinking of? :

    Cleaning and scrubbing
        can wait 'til tomorrow
    For babies grow up,
        we've learned to our sorrow
    So quiet down cobwebs
        and dust go to sleep
    I'm rocking my baby
        and babies don't keep.


    Carol

    Yes, Carol!  That's exactly the one I was thinking of.  Thanks...
    
    - K

    I had entered the Busy Hands poems but had a lot of it wrong.  Last
    night I went and read it and this is how it goes:
    
    My hands were busy through the day
    I didn't have much time to play
    The little things you asked me to
    I didn't have much time for you

    I'd wash your clothes
    I'd sew and cook
    But when you'd bring your picture book
    And ask me please to share your fun
    I'd say, "A little later, son"
    
    I'd tuck you in all safe at night
    Then hear your prayers, turn out the light
    Then tiptoe softly to the door...
    I wish I'd stayed a minute more
    
    For life is short, the years rush past
    A little boy grows up so fast
    No longer is he at your side
    His precious secrets to confide
   
    The picture books are put away
    There are no longer games to play
    No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear
    That all belongs to yesteryear

    My hands, once busy, now are still
    The days are long and hard to fill
    I wish I could go back and do
    The little things you asked me to
    
    
    I've loved this poem since I was about 15 and now that I have a 
    little boy, it's hanging up in his room.
    
    Donna
    
    

    Donna,
    
    That is wonderful!  What is the title?  I am going to have someone 
    do this for me in calligraphy and also hang it in my son's room.
    
    Thanks!
    Anne

Donna,  This poem is just what I was looking for.....Dianne

    I think I'll hang this over my vacuum cleaner!
    
    Thanks Donna
    

    Here's another (on the topic of Boys)
    
    	Just a Boy  
    
    Got to understand the lad -
    he's not eager to be bad;
    If the right he always knew,
    he would be as old as you.
    Were he now exceedingly wise
    He'd be just about your size.
    When he does things that annoy,
    don't forget - he's just a boy.
    
    Could he know and understand,
    He would need no guiding hand.
    But he's young and hasn't learned
    How life's corners must be turned.
    Doesn't know from day to day,
    there is more to life than play.
    More to face than selfish joy.
    Don't forget - he's just a boy.
    
    Being just a boy he'll do
    much you'll not want him to;
    he'll be careless of his ways,
    have his disobedient days.
    Willful wild and headstrong too,
    He'll need guidance - kind and true.
    Things of value, he'll destroy
    But reflect - he's just a boy.
    
    Just a boy who needs a friend,
    patient, kindly to the end.
    Needs a father who will show
    him the things he wants to know.
    Take him with you when you walk,
    listen when he wants to talk.
    His companionship enjoy.
    Don't forget .... he's just a boy.			Author Unknown
    

    Here's one that our minister read in church over a year ago, which has
    been very meaningful to me:
    
    
    I took a piece of plastic clay
    And idly fashioned it one day.
    And as my fingers pressed it still,
    It bent and yielded to my will.
    
    I came again when days had passed,
    That lump of clay was hard at last.
    The form I gave it, still it bore,
    But I could change it nevermore.
    
    I took a child, God's living clay,
    And gently shaped it day by day.
    And molded with my Savior's art,
    A young child's soft and yielding heart. 
    
    I came again when years were gone
    He was a man I looked upon.
    He still that early image bore,
    But I could change him nevermore.
    
    				Author Unknown.
    
    Lyn
    

    I looking for a poem that I thought I saw in here but just do not have
    time to search for.  I think it was called special child.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Roberta

    			HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
    
    A meeting was held quite far from earth
    "It's time again for another birth,"
    Said the angels to the Lord above, 
    "This special child will need much love."
    His progress may seem very slow
    Accomplishments he may not show
    And he'll require extra care
    From the folks he meets way down there.
    He may not run or laugh or play
    His thoughts may seem quite far away
    In many ways he won't adapt
    And he'll be know as handicapped.
    So let's be careful where he's sent
    We want his life to be content
    Please, Lord, find the parents who
    Will do a special job for you. 
    They will not realize right away
    The leading role they're asked to play
    But with this child sent from above
    Comes stronger faith and richer love. 
    And soon they'll know the privilege given 
    In caring for this gift from heaven
    Their precious charge, so meek and mild
    Is heaven's very special child. 

    Yes, thank you very much.
    
    I have a friend who just had a Downs Syndrome Baby and I think her and
    her family would find comfort in this poem.
    
    Roberta

    I am looking for the words to the Poem "Walk with Grandma".  Does
    anyone have the words.  I have posted this in two other conference so
    any help would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks
    

    Here's another for you ... it's a good one to keep on the Fridge for
    those days when you wonder why you ever had kids ... (-;
    
    
    
    Please, Mom and Dad...
    
    My hands are small, I don't mean to spill my milk.
    
    My legs are short - please slow down so I can keep 
    up with you.
    
    Don't slap my hands when I touch something
    bright and pretty - I don't understand.
    
    Please look at me when I talk to you -
    it lets me know you are really listening.
    
    My feelings are tender - don't nag at me all day -
    let me make mistakes without feeling stupid.
    
    Don't expect the bed I make or the picture I draw
    to be perfect - just love me for trying.
    
    Remember I am a child, not a small adult - 
    sometimes I don't understand what you are saying.
    
    I love you so much - please love me just for being
    me - not just for the things I can do.
    
    					- Anonymous

    it's not a poem, but I've got this "list" up in BOTH my office
    and my home......it sure helped when Matt was smaller......now
    that he's no longer a preschooler, though, and doing more, it
    seems even MORE important to remember items 4,6,7 & 8 !!!
    
    	ADVICE TO ADULTS FROM PRESCHOOLERS
    
    	1.  Please don't walk so fast when we go places together - my legs
    	    are short, and I can't keep up with your long legs.  Besides,
    	    there are many things I need to see and investigate along the
    	    way.
    
    	2.  My attention span is short - lots of things last too long -
    	    like shopping and visiting and sometimes, even the games you
    	    play with me.
    
    	3.  When I'm frightened of a big dog or something, please pick me
    	    up and hold me; that helps more than telling me you won't let
    	    anything hurt me.
    
    	4.  Sometimes it wuld be nice if you would talk to me and explain
    	    why we have to do things or tell me what is going to happen
    	    ahead of time when it is something new to me - then I'll know
    	    what to do.  Sometimes, you might even just have a conversation
    	    with me about anything; it makes me feel I belong to this
    	    family, too.
    
    	5.  I have trouble sitting still in the car even when you keep 
    	    telling me to, 'cause it's not very interesting to look at
    	    the back of the seat or that dashboard thing - I'm too little
    	    to see what's outside and sit down the way you want me to.
    
    	6.  Please decide whether I understand what you want me to do
    	    before you get mad at me for not doing something you
    	    expected me to do.
    
    	7.  Please give me time to do things for myself.  I'm slow and
    	    have not learned how to put my clothes on yet, much less do
    	    it fast.  What is all the hurry about, anyway ?
    
    	8.  Please remember that I am a person in the room and not a 
    	    piece of furniture when you tell secrets or private things
    	    to other big people.  How do I know what should not be 
    	    repeated ?
    
    	9.  When you or Daddy won't eat certain foods, talk about being
    	    afraid of the water, not liking school, are afraid of dentists,
    	    hospitals and doctores, why do you then expect me to be 
    	    different from you ?