When I was a child
I used to dream
Of ice cream and candy
Or so it would seem

I would wake up each morning
With thoughts in my mind
Of how to behave
To be loving and kind

And sometimes I couldn’t
And got into trouble
Was sent to my room
Only there it would double

Because quiet and calm
Aren’t the norm for a child
I had so much energy
I couldn’t be mild

And eventually I grew up
And became an adult
And had kids of my own
Tried for a different result

I allowed them to scream
And to have lots of fun
Quiet only came when
The whole day was done

And I learnt to allow
To not stifle a child
To accept without judgment
Allowing them to run wild

With love and firm limits
A child can learn
They are loved, they are cared for
Once doesn’t have to be stern

So if I’ve learnt anything
Things don’t have to be strange
Don’t have to be like our parents
Can have loving exchange