Tips on having a successful marriage--from 6th Graders.

Once in a while, I have my students do "Free Writes" where they can write about anything on their mind. Sometimes, I give them prompts so if they don't have any ideas, they can answer my questions. In light of the upcoming wedding, suggested that they give me suggestions on "how to be married" Several (actually most) of my students asked if they could give Mr. Toney advice. I've bolded some of my personal favorites. I hope you enjoy these as much as I:

Advice to me:

-Don't take the TV away from Mr. Toney.
-Be happy at all times. Don't be sad like the grumpy like those old women in kid stories...oh, one more thing, you inspire me.
-If a man is playing XBOX 360 GET OUT OF HIS WAY.
-Never cheat on Mr. Toney, and if he cheats, torture him to death.
-Get Mr. Toney a leash, don't let him out of your sight.
-Can you ask Mr. Toney if I can be in the wedding? (I've never been in a wedding!! PLEASE!!)
-Never yell at him for watching sports.
-Give him lots of food.
-Don't have kids unless you talk about it (they whine)
-If Mr. Toney likes to read, have reading time.
-Never buy a hampster.
-Don't let your cat come to the wedding.
-Don't act too dingy.
-Always have dinner ready.
-Don't forget the cake.
-Say stuff simply and easy to understand.

Advice to Mr. Toney:

-You should make Ms. Laughlin coffee in the morning
-If she gets a haircut, try to notice.
-Don't be afraid to ask for directions.
-No selective hearing, please.
-You should do some chores around the house
-Never take away her book.
-Be nice to Ms. Laughlin
-You should take Ms. Laughlin to a fancy dinner every once in a while.
-You should bring Ms. Laughlin lunch to school
-For her birthday, don't take her to a fast food restaurant.
-Do the dishes.
-You should take Ms. Laughlin to work sometimes.
-You should always talk right around Ms. Laughlin
-Don't talk back to her when she asks you to do something.
-Get Ms. Laughlin whatever she wants
-Be glad to her.
-Do what she says.
-Get her a pretty wedding ring.
-Listen to her when she is talking...trust me.
-Respect her
-Take care of her when she is sick-fix her soup, let her sit around all day.
-When you two are watching TV, let her pick the channel
-When she is sick, you should take care of her and get her whatever she wants.
-You should make breakfast for her.
-You should never try to make Ms. Laughlin mad, because you don't want to mess with Ms. Laughlin.
-Don't miss any important dates, like her birthday.
-Don't let her lift a finger.
-Clean up after yourself.
-Help around the house without being asked.
-Don't keep secrets.
-Don't use slang. MAKE SURE TO USE PROPER GRAMMER.
-Never say ain't.
-Don't be mean.
-Be there when she is sad, angry, excited, full of joy, or even cranky.
-Tell her she is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.
-Be her knight in shining armor.
-Be a gentleman at all times.
-Don't let her shop too much.
-Don't let her spend money of lots of clothes, cuz she has a bunch.
-Don't let her talk about school all the time.
-Give her flowers and chocolate (every girl loves those)
-Buy her books, she likes to read.

Tips to having a successful marriage from my 6th grade class.