Parental Advice

How do I advise my fifteen year old what to do

What career path to choose, I remember not having a clue

When I was his age, I was just doing what was expected of me

The future that I ended up building for myself, I could not at that time see

Some of what I do now would have seemed like science fiction

No one at that time could have given an accurate prediction

I did not take leaps in time, step by step I went

Climbed each rung of the ladder, rarely broken, but often bent..

I had my parents’ unwavering support in me

That helped me navigate through challenging territory

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For my child, unconditional support I must give

Show him by example what it is to live

A life built on hard work, optimism and drive

I should let him face challenges, let him thrive

In a world that is changing at a dizzying speed

I should encourage him to be adaptable, that that is the trait most in need