This is my rendition of a poem that I heard many years ago. But it touches anyone who has gone through the paid and joy of raising children.

My son came home from school one day – With a smirk upon his face.
He’d decided he was smart enough – To put me in my place.
“Guess what I learned in Class today – Civics taught by Mr. Wright?
He taught us about the laws today – And the ‘Children’s Bill of Rights.’”

I don’t have to clean my room – Don’t have to cut my hair.
No one can tell me what to think – Or speak, or eat or wear.
I have freedom from religion – And regardless what you say,
I don’t have to bow my head – And I sure don’t have to pray.

And if I don’t want to serve your God – That’s a decision that I make.
And all these rules you put in place – I don’t have to take.
I can wear earrings if I want – And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read and watch just what I like – Get tattoos from head to toes.

And if you ever spank me – It’s assault, and that’s a crime.
And I’ll back all my charges up – With the welts on my behind.
And don’t you ever touch me – My bodies for my use,
It’s not for all your hugs and kisses – That’s just more child abuse.

And don’t preach about your morals – Like your mama did to you.
That’s nothing more than mind control – And that’s illegal too!
You see mom I have children’s rights – So you can’t influence me,
Or I’ll call Children’s Services Division – Better known as C.S.D.

Of course, my first instinct was – To yell and scream and shout,
To tell him - Look Boy, I brought you in this world – and I can take you out.
Then reason said I can’t do that – Just kick that smart butt out the door.
But then the chance to teach a lesson – Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over thoroughly – I couldn’t let this go.
Then a smile slowly crept upon my face – He’s messing with a pro.
I looked at him and smiled and said – Is that what you want to do,
You’re positive that you don’t want – To stop and think this through?

He looked at me and frowned and said – Mom what’s wrong with you,
I was sure you’d fight with me – But yes – this is what I want to do.
That night I got down on my knees – Where I knew the answer could be found,
I’m sure you’ve heard that famous saying – What goes around comes around.

I went to God in supplication, pain, heartbreak and tears,
He said he’d help me make a point – My son would heed for years
He may be rebellious and somewhat - Arrogant right now,
But he will learn an important lesson – Now let me tell you how.

So, the next day I took him shopping - At the local Goodwill Store,
I told him, “Pick out all you want - There’s shirts and pants galore.
See, I’ve called and checked with C.S.D. - They said that they don’t care.
Whether I bought you K-Mart shoes - Instead of Nike Airs.

And I’ve canceled that appointment - To take your driver’s test,
The C.S.D. is unconcerned - So I’ll decide what’s best.
I said, “No time to stop and eat - Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn - To make your own sack lunch.

Just save that raging appetite - And wait ‘til dinnertime,
Oh, we’re having liver and onions - A favorite dish of mine.
“Well, can I please rent a movie, he said - To watch in my VCR?”
“Sorry, I sold your TV set - For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room - You’ll take the couch instead,
Because all the C.S.D. requires – Is a roof above your head.
Your clothing won’t be trendy now - And I’ll choose what we eat,
And that allowance that you used to get - Will buy me something neat.

And I’m selling off your Jet Ski - dirt bike and roller blades,
Check out the "Parent's Bill of Rights - Its in effect today.
What’s this hot shot, are you crying - And why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out - Instead of C.S.D.?

I said to him, you know one-day – you’ll have children too,
And at that time you will know – What you put your mama through.
Well now my son is all grown up - With children of his own
And when he needs that helping hand - He calls me on the phone.

And guess what he told me – Which to me was nothing new,
He’s going though the exact same thing – just like deja’vue
His little girl came home one day – Her teacher’s name was Mr. Wright
And she commenced to spurting off – The children’s Bill Of Rights.