Thursday, February 4, 2010

Parenting 101

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.







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'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.
Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.
I just want my kids to love who they are, have happy lives and find something they want to do and make peace with that. Your job as a parent is to give your kids not only the instincts and talents to survive, but help them enjoy their lives.





Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is good because Papas have only so many horsey rides in them.

7 comments:

5 dudes, a diva and total chaos said...

Really sweet and soo true!! THey grow up way to fast.

Angela said...

This seriously brought tears to my eyes. That is the most precious message I think I've ever read. Thanks for sharing and letting us be a part of your message.

Sammi said...

Beautiful. Just Beautiful! Well said! Love the pictures!

Kristine said...

Aww, I got all teary eyed with that one. Now I want to leave work early and go grab those boys of mine.
Hmm. Maybe I will.

Coco said...

So sweet and so true.

Kristine said...

I left work about an hour after I read your post and grabbed those guys of mine. So worth it!-)

Alice said...

you have a good eye :), i enjoy looking through your photos - in the ones above, i really liked the one of the red-shirted man sitting on the bench with the little fellow with their backs to the camera. great job. and i like the words you run throughout your post. i think i'll be back to visit :)