Parenting Lessons

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger 

never have your wallet visible 

don't listen to music in public 

everyone's a stranger 

you're our child; don't scare us. 

study until you can't get it wrong 

education will get you places in life 

colleges want straight A's and a 1500+ SAT 

grades come before leisure 

you're our child; don't fail us. 

wear modest clothing when you can 

that haircut is a bit too provocative 

that battle jacket will draw stares 

don't go around asking for attention 

you're our child; don't embarrass us. 

know your place in society 

you have no reason to be depressed 

lower your voice when speaking to me 

it's that damn phone again 

you're our child; don't anger us. 

keep your head high 

rise with courage, fall with grace 

feed your soul and spirit 

go into the world as a functioning adult 

you're our child; don't disappoint us.