How to Lose a Child

Hold me to different standards than you hold yourself.
Say you will help, then pawn my problems off on a doctor
so you won't have to deal with me.
Promise me freedom then threaten to take it back.
Work to hide the symptoms, rather than heal the sickness.
Talk, then scream,
but never really take the time to listen.
Punish my failures, but never even acknowledge my achievements.
Say I love you likes its only words,
empty and devoid of emotion and meaning.