Monday, December 15, 2008

Words to Parent By

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

I’d build self-esteem first, and the new house later.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I’d teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.

-Diane Loomans

2 comments:

Hill Country Happenings said...

I was given this poem at my baby shower and I treasure it! I also want to go back and reread all Erma Bombeck books - she had parenting in the most down to earth hilarious perspective!

Will's mom said...

I need to print that out and hang it in my bathroom as a daily morning reminder to me. That is perfect!