WHAT I NEED

(By Paula Young Shelton)

I need to have you hold me and let me know you care.

I need to be let go to explore all that I dare.

I need you to set limits and always to be fair.

I need you to be patient as I wander everywhere.

I need to make mistakes sometimes,

under your watchful eye.

I need a safe environment for the

new things I will try.

I need to learn by doing. My learning looks like play.

I need to know I can trust you

and that you mean what you say.

I need to be corrected in a voice that's firm but low.

I need to hear some other words besides just,

"No! No! No!"

I need you to be consistent, so I always know

what to expect.

I need you to listen to me, 'cause even little ones

need respect.

I need lots of attention. So don't get too upset.

I need to ask lots of questions.

There's so much I don't know yet.

But more than all of the above.

What I really need is love.

No matter what I do or say.

I need to know you love me anyway.

Shared by Patty B.