A poem for all parents

[Jdreamer]

I found the following copy of a poem posted in the window of a bookshop the other day and it just 'touched' me... words so true and wise. I immediately went in and asked the bookshop owner if I could have a copy. I'd like to share it with you all. I have found parenting has been so particularly tiring and stressful this past year (with a new baby and a 3yr old), these words were just what I needed to see... now, not in 18 years time!

If I Had My Child
to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger-paint more and point the finger less.
I'd 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'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.
(Poem by Diane Loomans)

[hanabi]

[tamarab30]

oh, that is so beautiful, thanks for sharing it with us!