I want that and that and that and that...No, No, you're not getting anything else. How many times have you or someone you know, said that to a child. This is a universal statement that transcends race, religion and socioeconomic status and usually leads to the same result -- trying to wear the parent down!

Parenting doesn't come with any directions, warranty or manual. There isn't a course that you can take to help you raise the "perfect child". Why, because parenting is a Life Long job with continuous on the job training. First through your children and then through your grands or great-grands if you are that blessed.

Children are a blessing and I think from time to time, we forget that. We become so caught up in our day-to-day struggles that we forget to take the time to love and enjoy our children. Elizabeth Withers has a song entitled "Simple Things". The lyrics say:

This song can apply to so many different scenarios, but the one I want to apply it to is our children. We are always trying to buy them more, involve them in more activities, expose them to things that we weren't fortunate enough to be involved in, but you know what, when it's all said and done, all they want are the "simple things" our love, respect and admiration. Just as adults yearn to be loved, so do our children. They look for love and affirmation from us, their parents, their guardians.

Being a mother is sooooooo much more than "birthing a baby". Just as being a father involves more than donating your sperm. Parents need to work as a team, to ensure that their children are given the "simple things" that they need. Love, food, shelter, education and last but certainly not least, a good foundation. If we show and teach our children the importance of family, I believe we will see a different tomorrow. If mothers show their sons, how to respect them as women, when their sons grow older, they will automatically respect women. If mothers show their daughters, that you are a precious gift from God, and that their bodies are temples, our daughters may not allow men to verbally and physically abuse them. If fathers, show their daughters love, those daughters will feel safe and secure and not need to run to different men to find the love they didn't get from their fathers. If fathers would show their sons what it is to be a man, loving one woman, getting married, providing for your family, our sons will not think it is acceptable to have children without the commitment and responsibility of marriage.

Often times men and women share their bodies; produce these precious gifts, children, only to realize they do not know each other. Now Mommy can't stand Daddy, and Daddy can't stand Mommy. So the struggle begins, she may not let him see the child because Mommy and Daddy can't get along. Daddy's not going to send child support because he can't stand Mommy and she's not going to use his money to get her hair done. The sad part, the only person suffering is the child. The ones we were supposed to love, protect, provide for and nurture. The very things that we are supposed to do, we will not do because we do not get along with the other parent. How can this child appreciate the "simple things" when he is not experiencing them?

Parenting isn't an option, it's a responsibility. But it's a responsibility built on love. For those of us who were fortunate to grow up with two parents, you know the value of family and the security you felt from having two parents. For those of us who were raised by a mother, you know Mommy made major sacrifices and the whole family pitched in because it takes a village to raise a child. We learned that we were loved, and while "Daddy" was not in the picture, our uncles stood in the gap and tried to fill that void. For those of us raised by Daddy, it took a strong man to do it alone. Men were not designed for that role, but they stepped up and did what they had to do. You saw the love in his eyes each time he looked at you and you were thankful because he didn't take the easy way out. He stayed and did what he knew he was supposed to do as a father.

My Sisters and My Brothers, lets bring the family back together. While we may not be able to live in the same house, let's get along for our children. Put your differences aside and remember our children only want the "simple things". Let's give it to them.