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

Monday Motivation

If I had my child to raise over again:
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later
I'd finger paint more and point the 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 fields 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 firm less often and affirm much more
I'd model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.
 

Diane Loomans

I love this quote because it really focuses on what our children need MOST.  Yes of course they need boundaries, routine and learning experiences but they need US more.  It does not say that you should NEVER be serious, be firm, build the house or correct your children.   

It simply states that we need to do more to connect with our children so that the person they become is shaped by the relationship they have with us.