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.
From the book “100 Ways to Build Self-Esteem & Teach Values” by Diana Loomans. Click below to purchase through amazon.
© 2011 An Unschooling Life
Lots to love about this!
Its funny… I feel so lucky that unschooling/homeschooling has allowed me to raise my children with this level of awareness about what is truly important, but (despite your average parent’s giving this lip service) most people disdain this type of lifestyle in action!
I believe our choice to take this amazing journey will plant more seeds as these free children grow up and share their “whole selves” with others. That also keeps me going!
Cynthia´s last post: Time for Learning Review
Truly words to live by. As a 40 something parent of kids ranging from 18 to just under 1 year, I’m definitely trying to take some of these lessons to heart with my youngest two girls. In a way it is almost like I’ve been given a “second chance” to be a (better) dad .. not that any of my older kids have turned out bad
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