Twelve Things My Kids Should Know

1. Trust is wonderful, but don’t be blind. Be wary, for predators exist. 2. As long as what you want is attainable somehow – persist, persist, persist. 3. Ever be grateful for your life and the gifts God gave to you. 4. Do your best, but don’t feel guilty if you fail; just do all you can do. 5. Don’t hold things in. With loved ones - talk things through. 6. Remember no one’s perfect. We can’t always cheerful be. 7. With things that make you feel discomfort, you ought not agree! 8. Be pleasant, respectful, and polite, but to yourself stay true. 9. Remember good things that you’ve been taught, especially to be kind. 10. To those not like yourself, however, keep an open mind. 11. Life’s three L’s are learn, laugh and love. 12.Fear not death; life’s length is but an eye-blink compared to heaven above. Feb. 13, 2023 for Matt Caliri's The 12 Things You'd Teach Your Child Poetry Contest