Mothers, touch your children,
Fathers, hug them tight,
Let them know you love them,
Morning, noon, and night.
Put your arms around them,
Hold them near to you,
Feel the beating of their hearts,
The life that you made new.

Roll around the floor with them,
Tease and laugh and play,
Listen to what they'll tell you,
They have so much to say.

Take time to get to know them,
See the colors in their eyes,
Appreciate the person,
That deep inside them lies.

Let me run their fingers,
Through your hair and down your face,
Fill their hearts with words of praise,
Make home their favorite place.

Cuddle with them on the couch,
And watch a T.V. show,
Sing with them or share a book,
And help their world to grow.

Take a walk into the park,
Hold each other's hand,
Smell the flowers, feed the ducks,
Build castles in the sand.

Mothers, touch your children,
Fathers, hug them tight,
Show them what a gift they are,
To love them feels so right!

Twenty Things To Say To Children

I love you! I love you all the time and always! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!

It's all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they feel hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.

You've made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It's all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.

You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn't easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.

I'm sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.

You can change your mind. It's good to decide, but it is also fine to change.

What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!

That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That feels good inside. Thank you!

I have a surprise for you. It's not your birthday. It's for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.

I can wait. We have time. You don't have to hurry this time.

What would you like to do? It's your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It's important to follow your special interests.

Tell me about it. I'd like to hear more. And then what happened? I'm listening.

I'm right here. I won't leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.

Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?

I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!

Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let's see. I'll help you if you need it. I think you can do it. Life is a great adventure!

I'll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I'm glad to help since you asked.

What do you wish for? Even if it's not yet time for birthday candles and we don't have a wishbone, it's still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

I remember when... I will never forget... When you were little... I will always remember the time... I loved you then, too...I always have a picture of you in my mind.