Slow down, it’s not too late
Leave the dishes, they can wait
He’s asking you if you want to play
Don’t say no and turn away.
I must cook your tea now little one
I have to finish cleaning now I have begun.
He walks away, you carry on
He’ll soon stop asking, he’ll soon be grown.
He pulls your trousers and says please play
But you’re trying to put his things away
I can’t right now, my precious one
Just wait a while and I will be done.
But later comes and it’s time for tea
Bath time next and bed you see
You must learn that he won’t stay
This little for long and want you to play.
Put down the saucepan and run outside
You can count while he tries to hide.
He’ll remember this and so will you
These precious moments are oh, so few.
Copyright © Sophie Harrington (2015)
More of my poems for parents: Back to School and Birth of a Naturalist
My poem was also published on Netmums website http://www.netmums.com/children/slow-down-a-poem-for-parents
It had a great reaction on Netmums’ Facebook page, with almost 1,400 likes and 545 shares on that site alone!