A Parenting Poem

This morning, during my sermon on "A Season of Parenting," I read out this short poem by Dianne Loomans. Taken from her book, "100 Ways to Build Self-Esteem & Teach Values,"it represents a list of learning tips with regards to raising children. It is worth pondering over the words.

IF I HAD MY CHILD TO RAISE OVER AGAIN

If I had my child to raise over again,

I'd finger paint 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.

It matters not whether my child is big or small,

From this day forth, I'll cherish it all.

(Diane Loomans, 100 Ways to Build Self-Esteem & Teach Values, Novato, CA: New World Library,2003, 216)

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