Please give me time to do things by myself. I'm slow because I haven't learned how to put my clothes on fast like you, yet.

Please remember that I am in the room as a person and not a piece of furniture when you tell secrets or private things to other big people. How do I know what should not be repeated?

When you won't eat certain foods, talk about being afraid of the water, not liking school, are afraid of dentists and hospitals and doctors, why do you then expect me to like them or not be afraid?

Please don't walk so fast when we go places together-my legs are short and I can't keep up with your long legs. Besides, there are many things I need to see and investigate along the way.

My attention span is short-lots of things last too long-like shopping and visiting-sometimes even the games you play with me.

When I'm afraid of a big dog or something, please pick me up and hold me; that helps more than telling me you won't let anything hurt me.

Sometimes it would be nice if you would talk to me and explain why we have to do things, or tell me what is going to happen ahead of time when it is something new to me-then I'll know what to do.

I have trouble sitting still in the car even when you keep telling me to. That's because it's not very interesting to look at the back of the seat or that dashboard thing-I'm too little to see what's outside and sit down like you want me to. While we're on the subject, sometimes my neck hurts trying to see what's on the dining room table or looking at big people's faces. Please put me on a chair or you bend down to me.

Sometimes I wish you' explain to me why you get in arguments with me. I know I lost, but it's sometimes fun to get you riled up. But why do you let yourself get involved? YOU know better!

I may be small and don't know about lots of things yet, but I'm not stupid! Please don't treat me as if I can't understand what is going on.

Sometimes big people get in such a hurry they tell me about six things all at the same time. I get confused when people say things like-"This afternoon we're going to grandmother's. Get your coat, finish your lunch, choose what toy you want to take, wash your hands, and what shoes do you have on?"

Would you please fix it so you know whether or not I understand what you want me to do before you get mad at me for not doing something you expected me to do.

Help me understand that when I hit my brother or the kitty-that hitting me won't help me understand not to hit them. It will only scare me if you do that. It won't help me learn to be nice to others.