If I Had My Child to Raise over Again
I read this poem in a church bulletin in 1997. Although I was single it struck home with me as an elementary teacher and as a hoping-to-someday-be Dad. I saved it and read it from time to time. I thought some of you teachers and parents might like it.
If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again
By Diane Loomans
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d finger-paint more, and point the fingers 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 build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I’d teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love.
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June 18th, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Great poem!
Being a father has made my life truly complete.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:26 AM
A great reminder, especially during a time in my life where I am so busy DOING, DOING, DOING. I am so sick of doing things because I have to (I’m sure I’m not alone on this).
Even when I’m with the kids all day, I look back and it is full of doing stuff. Lately, I’ve become much more mindful of BEING with the kids, no matter what we’re doing. Even a trip to the grocery store becomes special when I do this.
By the way, I’m submitting this beautiful poem to my new monthly post, Tops in Pops, the best daddy blog posts of the month.
Hope all is well…
Peace,
Joey
http://www.daddybrain.wordpress.com
July 7th, 2008 at 8:22 AM
[...] If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again, posted at Clif’s Notes Clif’s Notes shares a powerful reminder to us about being in the moment with our kids, instead of trying to control it. [...]