If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,
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 build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.

Diane Loomans

Notes: This poem was distributed together with the 2010-2011 Handbook of Pail and Shovel Integrated School (PSIS) during our First Parent Assembly last week. Our 3 kids, Aurens (Grade 3), Dilion (Grade 2) and Yonie (2s and 3s) are currently studying at PSIS.