When I got mad today and hit my child
“For his own good, ” I reconciled,
and then I realized my plight…
Today, I taught my child to fight.

When interrupted by the phone,
I said, “tell them I’m not home.”
And then I thought, and had to sigh…
Today I taught my child to lie.

I told the tax man what I made,
forgetting cash that was paid,
And than I blushed at this sad feat…
Today I taught my child to cheat.

I smugly copied a cassette,
To keep me from one more debt,
But now the bells of shame must peal…
Today I taught my child to steal.

Today I cursed another race,
Oh God, protect what I debase,
for now, I fear it is too late…
Today I taught my child to hate.

By my example, children learn
That I must lead in life’s sojourn
In such a way they are led
By what is done and not what is said.

Today I gave my child his due
By praise for him instead of rue.
And now I have begun my guide;
Today I gave my child his pride.

I now have reconciled and paid
to IRS all that I have made.
And now I know that this dear youth,
Today has learned from me the truth.

The alms I give are not for show,
And yet, this child must surely know
That charity is worth the price:
Today he saw my sacrifice.

I clasp within a warm embrace
My neighbor of another race.
The great commandment from up above.
Today I taught my child to love.

Someday my child must face alone
This fearsome undertone,
But I have blazed a sure pathway:
Today I taught my child to pray.

Where there is love the heart is light,
Where there is love the day is bright

Where there is love there is a song
To help when things are going wrong

Where there is love there is a smile
To make all things seem more worthwhile

Where there is love there’s quiet peace
A tranquil place where turmoils cease

Love changes darkness into light
And makes the heart take “wingless flight.”

- – - written by Helen Steiner Rice

“Walk a little plainer, Daddy,”
said a little boy so frail.
“I’m following in your footsteps
And I don’t want to fail.

Sometimes your steps are very plain,
Sometimes they’re hard to see.
So walk a little plainer, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
I know that you once walked this way
Many years ago.
And what you did along the way
I’d really like to know.
For sometimes when I’m tempted
I don’t know what to do.
So, walk a little plainer, Daddy,
For I must follow you.

Someday when I am grown up,
You are like I want to be,
Then I will have a little boy,
Who will want to follow me.
And I would want to lead him right
And help him to be true.
So, walk a little plainer, Daddy,
For we must follow you.

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See the Video “I am watching you Dad”