Don’t forget to brush your teeth and comb your hair. When you meet a stranger, it’s polite not to stare. When it’s cold outside, wear a hat on your head, and it’s always polite to make your own bed! Change your socks every day and your underwear too, and try your very hardest at everything you do. Go to bed early and get up before the sun, and work each day to have lots of fun. Eating chocolate for breakfast will certainly give you worms, and when you play with friends, remember to take turns. You can’t leave the house without giving me a hug, and you shouldn’t pull the wings off those little bugs. Try to eat a piece of fruit every day and be careful with the words that you say. Don’t walk barefoot in the grass after a rain, and when you wear new clothes, try not to get a stain.
‘But Why, Mom?’
You can’t eat cookies for dinner, and you should drink milk every day. Drinking too much soda will cause your teeth to decay. Always say thank you and please with heart, and it’s important to finish everything that you start. Turn off the lights in your room when you’re done playing, and listen to everything your teacher is saying. When friends act mean or call you bad names, never walk away with your head hung down in shame. Instead, try to be strong, righteous, and true, and learn that forgiving is the right thing to do. Never use your fists when your words will work fine, and you will walk away from trouble unscathed every time. If someone strikes you first, it’s okay to hit, and rest assured that Mom and Dad won’t throw a fit. It’s always important to put your best foot forward and drink lots of water to quench your thirst.
You should do as I say, not as I do, and always remember that people love you. Keep your elbows off the table, bring your fork to your mouth, and pick up the crumbs that accidentally fall south. Be the first one to serve and the last one to eat, and when faced with failure, know it’s never good to cheat. Whether winning or losing a game, remember that how you act is up to you. Win with pride and never boast, and lose with dignity that shows you have the most. There will always be those who are better than you, but with hard work and patience, you can be the best too. When you see a storm coming from the deep purple sky, get inside quickly and never ask why. Don’t pee in the pool, in your pants, or the bed, and never play alone in Daddy’s work shed.
‘But why, Mom?’
Stay away from plants with three shiny leaves and never mess around with a swarm of live bees! If you get stung by a spider or bitten by an ant, it’s definitely time to shake out your pants. Before you slip on your boots, make sure to look inside and realize that you never fail as long as you’ve tried. When you’re mad, sad, angry, or blue, take some time to think about what you say and do. If you need a hug or kiss to feel better, know my arms are ready to wrap around you like a warm fuzzy sweater. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and you should eat everything on your plate. Whatever you do, never say the word “hate.” The puppy is cute now but will soon be a big dog; spend some time each night looking up at the moon. Remember that houses, toys, and cars don’t make someone rich, and that reality says there’s no such thing as a witch. The monsters you fear under your bed are only imaginary creatures you dreamed up in your head. Never sleep with your feet hanging out of the covers, and always know there’s no love like a mother’s. As you lie your head down on your pillow at night, say a prayer and thank you with all your might. Sleep is the one thing you need most to grow, and it’s never wise to eat yellow snow. Don’t chew on your nails, your shirt sleeve, or pens, and always remember what it was like to be ten!
You should save your dimes for things that mean the most and always work hard to be a gracious host. When you’re at a friend’s house, in school, or abroad, always use manners that would make Mom applaud. Your brother and sister look up to you and are watching everything that you do. To be a good example for those who are small, hold your temper and share your favorite ball. Sometimes I will do things that you think are unfair, but one day you will realize it’s because I care. Never say never or think there’s something you can’t do; your dreams are waiting for you to make them come true.
‘But Why, Mom?’
Tell the truth when you can and hold your tongue when you can’t. Never hurt someone’s feelings in a mad, angry rant. It’s never too late to be all you can be, and time is your friend when you’re climbing a tree. Learn to let go of the bug that wants out of the jar and always know that your parents are never too far. It’s important to always do well in school and understand that kids who are mean are really not cool! When trouble comes your way, and it’s certain to, know that your family is willing and able to help you. If you see a rainbow, take enough time to admire the beauty all around you. There are still many things you’re too young to try, and you should make a wish on every star in the sky. Never be afraid of the tune in your head, and take the time to dance and sing every night before bed. Don’t talk to strangers, and try to help those in need. Never be selfish or stricken with greed.
It’s okay to get dirty and squish your toes in the mud, but never be tempted to taste a friend’s blood. Don’t touch the walls or your hair when your hands are sticky, and no matter how much you dislike it, give a kiss to Aunt Vicki. Don’t stay up too late or go to bed mad, and know that sometimes in life, it’s okay to be sad. Try not to envy or covet or wish you could be something other than the wonderful kid that I see. “Sorry” is a word you should never be afraid to say, and homework must be done before you go out to play. Don’t pick flowers from a neighbor’s yard, and never give up just because something seems hard.
There are many things now that you don’t understand, but if you do what I say, your life will be grand. The most important thing for you to do is to feel all the love that I hold for you. There will be many times, as much as I try, that I won’t have an answer when you ask me why. When those days are upon us and you must know the answer, quite simply it is BECAUSE I SAID SO!
‘But Why, Mom?’
