Thursday, December 27, 2012

Raising children again?

Radio Commentary



A poem by Diane Loomans speaks for many of us this time of year.  It’s called, “If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again.”
She writes:
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
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 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.
For young parents, these are interesting words to hear from a veteran in the field. 
But all parents should take comfort in knowing that if they do their best they can at the time, that is truly all that anyone can ask.