Parenting Lessons
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.
The Voice
March 2025
Special Issue: Teenager Contest
What does it mean to be a teenager in America in 2025? YWP writers and artists open a window onto their world in this special issue of The Voice. The honest and thoughtful reflections shared here, in ...
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[Alone in] Laughter, lamenting the lost light,you don’t want to be the forgotten, the lost cause, the missed flight. Reason runs thin when your sadness is bountiful,ink runs red as you write,over and...
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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 ...
After All of This
It's only February and look at this world. I want to know if we'll get through all of this. And on the other side, will I still be standing, or will I keep falling like I am now, and I'll fail my ...