If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again

Our Parents As Teachers gal always sends out the most beautiful, thought-provoking poems at Christmas time. Here is the one she sent this year:

If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first,
and the house later.
I'd fingerpaint 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 see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often
and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.

(author unknown)

I challenge you to read that again, and think of all the ways you can enjoy your children more this coming year. Wow.