Parenting poem

Restorative Thinking Limited is currently delivering a number of restorative parenting programmes at HMP Risley with POPS (Partners of Prisoners). We had a lovely surprise today at the final session of one of our ‘Parenting without Conflict’ courses when a participant (Chris) presented a poem; he has given his consent for us to share it. Here goes:
I have children,
do you have children as well
when you really think about your kids
what can you tell
Is it biological
are they hungry or cold
you can’t always tell
if truth be told
Parents never stop learning
no matter how old
they get, never forget
you can look oh so closer
when your child’s upset
do they feel safe and protected
is that a reason for the cry
has their integrity been compromised
are they embarrassed is it the pride
no matter what it is, don’t say ‘why?’
how would you react if you felt your
parents weren’t on side
ask them how they feel
what’s going through their head
situations can be avoided
if they are talked about or said
set up some fair boundaries
show love but please don’t smother
nobody’s a perfect dad
nobody’s a perfect mother
what is perfect?
there is a parenting course
ran by two lovely women
get onto the course and you’ll be
winning
yes, you’ll be glad, if just for a
biscuit and a brew
or to get out of your pad
(by Chris)