If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

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.