Care Enough To Be Tough Poem by Sarah M.Brown

Young children are good kids, or they can be at least,
It is what adults "build them into" that counts.
Being a disciplinarian is the hardest of things to do,
As to being a good one there is no steadfast rule.
A degree of discipline is needed in every facet of life,
From the common ordinary things to moments of strife.
Children need rules to be set, reasonable, yet definite.
Stable, sensible regulations that are solidly fixed.
Never disagree about things in the presence of children,
Go "in private" for decisions you may not agree on.
Be assertive - weak ineffective authority lacks security,
They require a stable environment, it is a necessity.
Kids act up to put pressure on authority figures to find
If they are capable And care enough to hold the line.
Patient, Loving guidance is essential in children's lives
When not properly given - to get it - they misbehave.
A uniform, firm, caring control to continuously govern
And establish in life a practical lasting pattern.
The conventional parental role is "supposed" to typify
Leadership, guidance and example for kids to Live by.