What Every Child Should Know, comic poem by Angela Lansbury 396

 

Kiddie travel toilet. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.

What a three year old should know

If you feel the need to go

Find the toilet in a rush ...

knickers up, then you flush

What a ten year old should know

Do not touch another's things

Yes, go with the flow, not with

Another's pens, computers, rings

What's yours is yours, 

What's theirs is theirs

Don't play pranks 

Nor pull out chairs

Respect the flag of every nation

Check change when buying and selling

Learn correc pronunciation

Watch for typos and correct spelling

Don't hit others, don't hair pull

Don't push, don't make faces

Don't call names, act the fool

Act like adults, wear hats in all places

Be kind to the deaf and blind

Don't seek revenge, seek to be friends 

Say 'sorry', Shrug ,'I don't mind'

That's better for you both in the end

What's your aim, what's your mission

Don't wound nor end up wounded, 

Nor spend your years in prison

Stay grounded, by joy surrounded

In school you make friends for life

Guard school's and your own reputation

Find a business partner, wife

Be a credit to your nation.

Don't take candy from a stranger

Always be aware of danger

Don't pick up dead creatures, pet or kick strange dogs

Don't drop rocks, dive off cliffs, nor roll logs.

Don't drive cars when under age

Do not drive too far too fast

You're still at the learning stage

You have a life, make it last

Don't lure soldiers or police

Don't throw sticks, stones, bullets at them

Keep away, survive the day

Toys not guns. Please say amen.

Be proud of your uniform

Check which clothes should be worn

Check times and dates, have all things planned

Find out what's permitted, and what's banned

Note the time and plan your day

Eat and sleep at the right times

Before bed, put your toys away

Beknown for good deeds, not for crimes

Silly games can end in murder

Don't take risks, take the stairs

Life is hard, just try harder.

Stand on ladders not on chairs

Keep books on the shelves, 

Not on the floors

Make the bed early

Don't block the doors 

Everybody has a choice

You can be a saint or sinner

Be good, build, make the whole world proud

Then go safely home to dinner.

ends-