Yesterday I received a package from an old friend I went to religion class with. Back then every Tuesday afternoon we would walk to Mary Queen of Heaven Church and sit for an hour with Sister Fatima and learn how to make ourselves better Catholic boys and girls.

In honor of Sister Fatima and all the nuns at Mary Queen of Heaven who had to put up with all our jokes and pranks . . . I present the following as suggestions to parents who have to deal with the everlasting energy of children:

Considerata — or what goes around, comes around.

Step gently over the legos and crayons and rest assured there is never enough toilet paper.

Speak clearly and directly. Accept the truth that your kid’s hearing is subjective and random.

Never compare your childhood to your kids. It is a vain and futile discussion.

Enjoy your accomplishments as well as your dreams.

Exercise caution with homework assignments, for your kid’s teachers know more than you. But let this not depress you. You are not the weakest link.

Be yourself. For you are heroes to your kids. Even after all the disagreements, they will come running to you when they are hurt.

Do not joke about boyfriends and girlfriends – nor be cynical about the gossip at recess. For it is as perennial as Parent/Teacher conferences.

Take kindly to growing old for your kids will remind you countless times. Gracefully surrender the things of your youth – free time, the phone . . . the car.

For whatever your dreams or aspirations in your life are, always remember you can freeze Girl Scout cookies.

I am the father of angels.
Not unlike the kid I was.
And whether or not I can open the door.
Your room is still a mess.

Therefore, be at peace with your kids — no matter how long they hog the bathroom.

Amid all the noise and confusion, their answer is always the same…

“I dont know.”

To be continued . . .