If I had my child to raise again

Other Good Things

You’ve probably already seen this poem. Some of you might have even read it multiple times. It’s worth reading again, until you feel sufficiently inspired, to read it once more. The rhythm, the flow, the…hope you enjoy!

“If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d build her self-esteem first, and the house later.

I’d finger paint more, and point my 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 field 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 first less often, and affirm much more.

I’d model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.”

• Diane Loomans

We especially like the line, “I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.”

If I had my child to raise again…