What Do You Teach Your Children?

There is a poem someone wrote:
"Children Learn What They Live".
Unfortunately some children learn
The bad things that life can give.

They learn to curse and be disrespectful,
To bully and to steal--
Facts of life that's true,
But the damage done takes years to heal.

Not everyone is perfect,
Not by a LONG shot.
But kindness, manners and respect
For all is what they should be taught.

Some brought up the hard way,
Try to stay away from that kind of life.
They want to do better,
And not have all the drama and strife.

Some who are brought up decently--
Rebel and go down the wrong road.
Looking for thrills and excitement,
Always pushing the envelope.

Some can act like things are fine,
When they're really as bad as can be--
They're really just lost souls,
Who can't tell friend from enemy.

All you can do is raise them the best
You know how--try to be a role model,
A parent--not just a pal.
You have to start early--don't dawdle.