This is dedicated to all the kids
whose caregivers are angry, addicted, crazy, ill, stressed-out, checked-out, abusive, and shrill.
You keep on seeking. You can love you.
I know you can make it because I did it too.
You may not know me, we’ve never met,
but we love you out here, please don’t forget.

1. Parents be nice.

I’m just a kid.
I don’t know what I’m doing.
I don’t know what I did.
Parents be nice.
I am still learning how
to do all the things
that you do right now.

2. Parents be nice.

I did what I could.
I don’t know what I don’t.
So, I don’t know what I should.
Parents be nice.
How do I shower? How do I bathe?
How do I eat?
How do I behave?

3. Parents be nice.

I am so young.
I am still doing
all that you have already done.
Parents be nice,
be patient and kind.
I don’t know why
I like to climb.

4. Parents be nice.

Tell me I am okay,
even when I did what I shouldn’t
and I did it all day.*Parents be nice.
I still need to learn
that fire is hot
and I can get burned.

5. Parents be nice.

I’m not behind.
You are ahead
and I need more time.
Parents be nice.
I want your help,
not yelling and screaming,
or spankings and belts.

6. Parents be nice.

Please will you hear?
Life can be scary.
I need to live without fear.
Parents be nice.
I require a fan.
I want some structure
and to just hold your hand.

7. Parents be nice.

I have to run.
I need laughing and jumping,
and playing for fun.
Parents be nice.
I need your support,
not judging and blaming
like we live in court.

8. Parents be nice.

Stop it right now.
Notice what you’re doing
and show me how.
Parents be nice.
Apologize.

Tell me you’re wrong
when you realize.

9. Parents be nice.

I know it is hard.
Remember being a kid?
Can you remember that far?
Parents be nice.
I am doing all that I can.
You are my parents
and I am all that I am.

10. Parents be nice.

Nothing is fair.
Please do your best, and then better.
I’m in your care.
Parents be nice.
I am not crazy or dumb.
My job is trying
to just have fun.

11. Parents be nice.

I am just being me.
I cannot deny it,
I am a child, wild and free.
Parents be nice.
At times I don’t want what you give.
I need it anyway.
If I am to live.

12. Parents be nice.

I need you right now.
At two, ten, twenty, and fifty
I need you always for more than my pal.
Parents be nice.
The best pal I can have
is the kind that says quietly
how I’ve been bad.

13.  Parents be nice.

I am a little you.
Don’t be mad at me.
You were once little too.
Parents be nice.*All I am good at
is wishing and dreaming
and good stuff like that.

14.  Parents be nice.
You are my guide,
not snapping and blaming,
stealing my pride.

Parents be nice.
I need you all day,
in evenings, on weekends,
I’m here to stay.

15.  Parents be nice.
I wish you were my friend,
not just right now,
but until the end.
Parents be nice.
The friend that I need
is not the kind that
says yes when I please.

16.  Parents be nice.

Though I’m little now,
someday I’ll be big
if you show me how.
Parents be nice.
Have faith in me,
that I can be better
than best ever could be.

17. Parents be nice.

I am not lying.
This is all true.
I am just me and you are just you.
Parents be nice.
I came to learn all that you know.
I must have guidance
to help me grow.

18.  Parents be nice.

Sit with me here.
Give me a hug
and tell me I’m dear.
Parents be nice.
I cannot hide.
I need you always,
right by my side.