Stay up until all hours with work stuff,

Then wonder why the kids act at their worst,

Insist they play alone when you feel rough,

Then wonder which will throw a tantrum first.

 

You promise something then you make them wait,

Then wonder why they give you endless grief,

Sling insults when the school run’s running late,

Then wonder why they’re lacking self-belief.

 

Recycle all the habits so ingrained,

Mistake your threats for rules and bribes for treats,

Learn nothing from your faults, your scars, your pain,

Then ask yourself why history repeats.