Parent vs child

I'm not so sure about elsewhere, but in Malaysia, I see increasing cases of parents treating their kids like demi-gods.
They grow up not knowing how to wash their own clothes, set the table for meals, do the dishes and most household chores, even simple ones like sweeping and mopping.
As my 2 boys are in their school-going years, it's time to educate them that life is more than just doing well in studies.
It's going to be how you are able to take care of yourself.
The next 2 poems are brilliant to illustrate this.
Have a good read.




From the son

My son came home from school one day,


With a smirk upon his face.


He decided he was smart enough,


To put me in my place.






'Guess what I learned in Civics Two,


that's taught by Mr. Mike?


It's all about the laws today,


The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'






It says I need not clean my room,


Don't have to cut my hair


No one can tell me what to think,


Or speak, or what to wear.






I have freedom from religion,


And regardless what you say,


I don't have to bow my head,


And I sure don't have to pray.






I can wear earrings if I want,


And pierce my tongue & nose.


I can read & watch just what I like,


Get tattoos from head to toe.






And if you ever spank me,


I'll charge you with a crime.


I'll back up all my charges,


With the marks on my behind.






Don't you ever touch me,


My body's only for my use,


Not for your hugs and kisses,


that's just more child abuse.






Don't preach about your morals,


Like your Mum did to you.


That's nothing more than mind control,


And it's illegal too!






Dad, I have these children's rights,


So you can't influence me,


Or I'll call Children's Services Division,


Better known As 'C.S.D.'









Dad's Reply and Thoughts


Of course my first instinct was


To toss him out the door.


But the chance to teach him a lesson


Made me think a little more.






I mulled it over carefully,


I couldn't let this go.


A smile crept upon my face,


he's messing with a pro.






Next day I took him shopping


At the local Reject Store..


I told him, 'Pick out all you want,


there's shirts & pants galore.






I've called and checked with C.S.D .


Who said they didn't care


If I bought you Fung Keong shoes


Instead of Nike Airs.






I've canceled that appointment


To take your driver's test.


The C.S..D. Is unconcerned


So I'll decide what's best.'






I said 'No time to stop and eat,


Or pick up stuff to munch.


And tomorrow you can start to learn


To make your own flaming lunch.






Just save the raging appetite,


And wait till dinner time..


We're having liver and onions,


A favorite dish of mine.'






He asked 'Can I please rent a movie,


To watch on my VCR?'


'Sorry, but I sold your TV,


For new tires on my car.


I also rented out your room,


You'll take the couch instead.


The C.S.D. Requires


Just a roof over your head.






Your clothing won't be trendy now,


I'll choose what we eat.


That allowance that you used to get,


Will buy me something neat.






I'm selling off your jet ski,


Dirt-bike & roller blades.


Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',


It's in effect today!






Hey hot shot, are you crying,


Why are you on your knees?


Are you asking God to help you out,


Instead of C.S.D..?'