For those of you with young children or grandchildren

[againstthegrain]

If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again
By Diana Loomans, Davidson, NC
If I had my child to raise over again,
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.

This hangs over my younger son's bed as a reminder that he won't be little for long. This Chirstmas will probably be the last year that he believes in Santa Claus and it makes me a little sad. I kind of liked hiding the gifts in all kinds of places and finding one in July that we forgot about in some, obscure corner of the closet. I liked sneaking all the gifts under the tree at midnight. I liked eating the sugar cookies he so lovingly made and decorated with 1/2 a can of frosting, (but the spouse drank the milk). I liked reading the hand written note to Santa, asking him not to talk to Mrs. Covington(second grade teacher) about "the trouble I caused on the playground". Just precious...

*Sigh*.....

[Bartster]

yes they do grow up fast i cannot believe mine will be 14 this coming year, she has grown up so fast.

bart

[squbrigg]

Sharing that with us is a gift you have given that brightens our day in so many ways. Thank you! Kids are what makes our world go around, God bless them, every one!

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Yep,they do grow up fast......ours are 45 and 46 lol but don't wax too nostalgic.....each age is better than the one before it! Stay close and make them important in your life and when they are out on their own, they will want to stay close to you and keep you important in their lives!

[Sharon of the Dell]

Hi HO is right. Enjoy each year. Just do the best you can. Kids need unconditional love which also includes boundries.They might not appreciate it now, but when they get older they will.Mine are 32 and 28, they're still are babies, but now they are our best friends and they still need mom and dad.And we still have lots of fun together.Plus they have there own kids which is good!

[Eddy-Smiles]

Unfortunately an Old German saying comes to mind here....."We grow too soon old and too late smart."

[againstthegrain]

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Yep,they do grow up fast......ours are 45 and 46 lol but don't wax too nostalgic.....each age is better than the one before it! Stay close and make them important in your life and when they are out on their own, they will want to stay close to you and keep you important in their lives!

I just want them to send me to a nice nursing home!