Letter from a toddler to you grown ups

Hollow - Oops. Werry Worry, I woll tik moi thump out of my moth. That's better. My name is Toddler Anon.

I am 2 years old. I am a small voice in a big world. I am a tiny person surrounded by big people. I rely on them for virtually everything. Sometimes this can be deeply frustrating. Forget what the scientists say - I am the centre of the universe and have been known to throw all my toys out of the cot just because I can. I have my own, somewhat unreliable centre of gravity and often move too fast for my own legs.

When I say, through grumpy tears "I'm not tired" it is often misconstrued as proof it is time for bed. In fact I am just beginning to limber up for a tantrum. (I am seriously thinking of giving them up. The last time I threw a tantrum my father lay down in the supermarket aisle and had one as well. I was so embarrassed! I will try sulking next time.)

Big people please note: You are taller and much stronger than us. What might seem like a small hit, shove or push can really hurt us. Aggression makes us scared and afraid. We get confused when adults bash us or each other, then profess that this is love. We may struggle with tasks like doing up our shoe laces but we are not stupid. We do know what love is and hitting is not love.

The big people talk about a thing called Politix. It has something to do with a bunch of grown-ups braying, jeering and calling each other names in a big house called Parliament. I have seen it on TV. We get told off if we behave like that in the sandpit. How come they can get away with it? I would make the shouty ones stand in the corner until they had learned some manners.

Us 2-year-olds have heard that we are about to have an election. Is this a game? You can win one if you say all the right things and smile a lot. I have tried this tactic with my parents. It works but it requires every ounce of cute you can muster to pull it off.

What is a vote? Is it a toy? If so - how do I get one? If I did get one, I promise to look after it and use it carefully. I would use my vote to improve the lives of other 2-year- olds. Some of them don't get to live like me. There are many 2-year-olds who cannot rely on those around them to care. I feel sorry for them and hope the election will help them.

The politicians say the economy is not stable. Neither am I. I fall over quite regularly but that's because I am still getting the hang of standing on my own two feet. The economy should have not be staggering about - after all it is a very grown up invention. I think it will all end in tears.

Terry Sarten lives in Whanganui. He is a writer, musician, social worker and parent whose children are now all much taller than him. Email: tgs@inspire.net.nz