"I got two A's" the small boy cried.
     His voice was filled with glee.
 His father very bluntly asked,
     "Why didn't you get three?"
 "Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
     The girl called from the door.
 Her mother very calmly said,
     "Did you sweep the floor?"
 "I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said.
     "And put the mower away."
 His father asked him, with a shrug,
     "Did you clean off the clay?"
 The children in the house next door
     Seem happy and content.
 The same things happen over there,
     But this is how it went:
 "I got two A's," the small boy cried.
     His voice was filled with glee.
 His father very proudly said, "That's great!
     I'm glad you belong to me."
 "Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
     The girl cried from the door.
 Her mother smiled and softly said,
     "Each day I love you more."
 "I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
     "And put the mower away."
 His father answered with much joy,
     "You've made my happy day."
 Children deserve a little praise
     For tasks they're asked to do,
 If they're to lead a happy life,
     So much depends on you.