A poem for parents

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd finger-paint more

and point the finger less.
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.

~~ unknown ~~