A Poem To Parent By

This picture is from last Fall, it's an oldie but goodie. I thought it was so cute that she wanted to see out this window so bad even though she was obviously too short to do it on her own.

When I heard the poem posted below I loved it. I wanted to post it, not only to share with other parents, but now I can re-read it again and again, and remind myself to parent this way.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again
by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,I’d finger-paint more, and point the fingers 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 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.

Good stuff.