If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd fingerpaint 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.
                             --- Diane Loomans

I can't say how much I absolutely love this "poem".  I found it in a book I'm reading about entertaining pre-schoolers...and it just made a huge impact!  I'm framing it so I can read it every day. Makes me realize that "time flies" may be a welcome thing for tantrums and emptying shampoo bottles out; but then again when the tantrums go, so do the naps and the adorable, sweet innocence of a little kid...