Vol. 4, No. 2 • Spring 2000

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again
by Diane Loomans

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

� 1999 by Diane Loomans. Reprinted from "Parent Partners" newsletter, published by the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center, Davidson, NC. Web site: www.ecac-parentcenter.org.

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families