Several years ago Hannah's preschool teacher sent this poem home with her. I was so touched by it that I cut a decorative scalloped design around it and posted it on our bulletin board. It is now tattered and wrinkled and has moved to two different homes, but still serves as a reminder for me to strive for balance. While, yes, I still need to be the parent and the disciplinarian, I also need to take time to develop relationships with my kids.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.

I'd fingerpaint 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.