Take a Moment to Listen

[116 words]

Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say;
Listen today, whatever you do
Or they won’t be there to listen to you.

Listen to their problems, listen for their needs
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smartest deeds;
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what’s the matter, find out what they’re after.

But tell them that you love them, every single night
And though you scold them, be sure to hold them;
Tell them “Everything’s all right; tomorrow’s looking bright!”

Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do
And they will come back to listen to you.

Denis Waitley