Lessen the learn.

Tell your kids “Not to be like me.”

Not to wander off aimlessly. 

Not to take corners at every bend.

Tell them not to rely on every friend.

Let them know what’s worth every dollar.

When to quiet your voice and when to holler. 

Tell them about how big the world was when you were small. 

Lament to them about your biggest regret, your hardest fall. 

Promise them it only gets better,

That nothing lasts like cloudy weather.

Inspire them with the places you’ve never seen.

Confess your fears, all those horrible dreams.

Sing them your praises.

Your darkest phases.

The nostalgic stories by the quartered moon. 

Advise them that it’s getting better, soon.

Promise them a better tomorrow.

All the time you had to borrow,

the times you needed to cheat and steal.

Remind them to love themselves and to heal. 

Tell your kids “not to be like me” ,

Most importantly, not to be afraid of everything.