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 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.