I’m still learning

By Hayley Zemontas

Please remember, I’m still learning 
I’m still so beautifully brand new
Every day’s an education 
In what I should and shouldn’t do
I don’t have many words yet 
But I’d tell you if I could 
It makes me feel frustrated
When my needs aren’t understood.

Please remember, I’m still learning 
I know it’s easy to forget
But a tantrum isn’t naughty
I may be overwhelmed instead 
When I’m tired or hungry 
I often shout and bawl 
We all get cross and moody
I’m only human after all! 

Please remember, I’m still learning 
The world can be a scary place 
I find calm and reassurance 
In a kind, familiar face 
Please don’t take offence 
If I cry or turn away 
It’s not that I don’t like you 
I just need my mummy today. 

Please remember, I’m still learning 
I’m still so very young 
I can get overexcited 
Everything is so much fun! 
I don’t yet understand 
That everything isn’t mine 
Sharing is a concept 
I’ll develop over time. 

Please remember, I’m still learning 
I need boundaries to feel safe 
Sometimes I like to test them 
But they’re all for my own sake. 
I don’t follow a set line 
For when I’ll walk or speak 
I’ll do it at my own pace 
I’m wonderfully unique. 

Please remember, I’m still learning 
Ways to communicate 
I need help with my emotions 
To calm and regulate
I’m trying to be kind 
But sometimes I forget 
I can be a little rough
I have no empathy yet. 

Please remember, I’m still learning 
Finding my sense of self 
My brain is still developing 
So I need a lot of help 
I require praise and guidance 
An approach that’s fair but firm 
So please practise being patient 
Whilst I still have so much to learn.

Hayley Zemontas is a first-time mum to twin girls. She loves writing poetry and finds it very therapeutic. You can find her on her Facebook page: Twinmumtruths.