Never clip a child's wings
1. My hands are tiny. That’s why I drop things, even when I don’t mean to.
2. My legs are short. Please slow down a little so I can walk beside you.
3. When I reach for something bright and colorful, it’s not to annoy you. I just want to discover the world.
4. When I speak, please look at me. That’s how I know you’re really listening.
5. My heart is still soft. If you scold me all the time, I start to believe I’m not good enough.
6. The bed I make might look messy, the picture I draw may not be perfect, but I tried my best. Please love me for trying, not for being perfect.
7. I’m not a little adult. I’m a child. Sometimes your words confuse me.
8. I love you with all my heart. Please love me for who I am, not only for what I do.
9. When I come close for a hug after doing something wrong, it’s not to bother you. It’s because I feel small, alone, and afraid.
10. When you shout, I don’t understand, I just get scared. Please tell me gently what I did wrong.
11. The night feels long and frightening. When I call out to you, it’s because your hug is the only thing that makes me feel safe.
12. At the store, please don’t let go of my hand. I feel like I’ll disappear in the crowd and never find you again.
13. When you and mom/dad argue, I feel sick inside. Sometimes I think it’s my fault.
14. When I see you hug my brother or sister more, I wonder… do you love them more than me? Am I not as special to you?
15. I didn’t mean to break my toy. I was already sad about it, but then I was scolded too. Now I’ve lost my toy, and a piece of my joy.
16. Yes, I got dirty while playing. But the mud on my feet felt amazing, and the day was so full of life. I wish I knew how to clean up by myself.
17. When you’re not well, I get worried. I try to cheer you up with my little games. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.
18. I don’t understand what “hell” really is. But I think it must feel like being without you.
19. Even if I had fun at my uncle’s house, I missed you every single day. I wish parents never needed a vacation away from their children.
20. I feel so lucky. Out of all the children in the world… you’re mine, and I’m yours.
We often forget what it feels like to be a child, what scared us, what hurt us, what made us feel loved. Sometimes children say it out loud. Other times, they carry it silently inside their hearts.
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