If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

Mom and I were just talking about loved ones and she said she'd wished she had spent more time on the floor in the dust playing with us instead of cleaning. I thought of this poem that we have at the store:
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.

Speaking of Children.....I'm going to be a Nanny again. Shawn and Felicia are due in March.

Congrats, Lightning and what a lovely sediment in the poem. I also like this one...



If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.

Amanda Cater

Congrats Deb.. wow your going to have grandkids all over the place there.. heheheh and loving every minute of it.. Larry too..
Cool poem.. I wish I could do somethings over again.. I certainly would spend more time with her instead of cleaning and working.. sigh.. but she knows I love her more than anything so I guess that will have to do..

Congrats Lightning! Cool poem... Wissy, as long as she knows...I was in the same boat and my daughter knows too... She's now thinking of joining us out here in back of beyond...I'm so hopeful and excited, she's the one thing I've missed...On another note, last week I became a (step) great-grandma!

Both poems are very convincing about the THINGS WE SHOULD HAVE/NOT/COULD HAVE DONE................

CONGRATS TO THE NEW OR NEARLY NEW GRANMAS!!!!!!