He's six and a brat,
Claim the children.
He breaks up our games,
Tramples our castles,
Steals our toys.
He's only six, a baby,
Replies his mother.
Smiles like an angel,
Sucks his thumb,
Cuddles his teddy bear.
He's twelve and a terror,
Claim the neighbors.
Breaks our windows,
Tramples our flowers,
Steals our bicycles.
He's only twelve, a child,
Replies his mother.
Runs my errands,
Brings me tea,
Kisses me goodnight.
He's eighteen and a criminal,
Claim the courts.
Breaks our laws,
Tramples our citizens,
Steals our money.
I can't understand,
Cries his mother.
He's always been
Such a good boy!