Ever since we were young
We were told to act certain ways, during certain times
Like children in church

Parents tried desperately to keep us entertained with silly putty and coloring books
They knew it was grueling, because we told them it was
As kids we had the power of speaking our minds openly.
Not only that, it was encouraged, listened to, and sometimes even agreed with

“Moooooooooooom I am bored! I know sweetie I am too, but you are doing great it’s almost over.”

Our collective voices had so much influence that our desires were catered to
Churches created Sunday school programs, tot corners, and even got snacks
But … when we get older…………….Our power began to fade.

It seems like when you’re older your opinions don’t matter as much any more
Parents say, “Tough luck” “That’s life” or “Deal with it kiddo”
Statements like these make it easy for children to assume that silence is golden.
Discussion of feelings and dreams is now considered awkward and inappropriate

No wonder why everyone hates puberty
We were forced into a role of quiet acceptance
That no one openly discusses let alone understands.

Your parents expect that you’ll learn it in school
The teachers expect that you’ll learn it at home
And you know what ends up happening

You only talk about it with your friends because
They are the only ones seem to understand how crazy everything is.

We should admire the audacity of young children
Support their voice and show them how to use it effectively

So next time someone tells a child, “You should know better.”
Proudly tell them that you appreciate the child’s unique point of view and how
Courageous it must have been for a child to speak up in a harsh adult world.

How old does a child need to be before you can look them in the eye and tell them to shut up without feeling like a jerk? ……

Doesn’t everyone deserve the respect of a curious 3 year old?