As parents, we wish we could wrap our children in cotton wool and shield them from every hard lesson life has in store. We can’t do that — but we can love them steadily while they find their own way. This poem from Jessica Wesolek captures that feeling perfectly, and it’s one of our most-loved poems for parents.
A Message for My Child
I wish that I could show you
all the things that I have seen.
I wish that I could take you
everywhere that I have been.
I wish that I could indicate
the places where I fell,
And keep you, thus, from tripping
on those “rougher” spots as well.
I wish that I could do all this
and save you from the strife.
But I know that I’d be sparing you
the lessons of your life.
And you must learn those lessons
as hard as that may be,
Just know that you will always have
a helping hand from me.
© 1999 Jessica Wesolek
More poems for parents to enjoy
If this one moved you, you’ll likely love these too: The Last Time and For My Grown Up Son — both gentle reads on the bittersweet business of watching your children grow.
What did you think?
Poems like this one have a way of putting into words what parents feel every day but rarely say out loud. Over to you — what did this poem bring up for you? Tell us in the comments below.
FAQs
Who wrote “A Message for My Child”?
The poem was written by Jessica Wesolek in 1999. It’s shared here with that original attribution intact.
Can I share or print this poem?
You’re welcome to share the poem with friends and family or read it aloud — just please keep Jessica Wesolek’s name and the copyright line with it wherever it goes.
Where can I find more poems for parents like this?
We feature a small collection of parent-themed poems on MyKidsTime, including The Last Time and For My Grown Up Son, linked above. They’re a lovely way to pause and reflect on the parenting journey.
Want more like this?
If poems like this speak to you, take a moment to browse our other family life reads, or save this page so you can come back to it whenever you need the reminder.
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