Since my children are grown and gone, I find myself being more introspective about the past and how I raised them. A poem by A. Bronson Alcott best expresses what I would do differently, if only I had the chance.
“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 more to care. 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 would 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 care less about the love of power and more about the power of love.”
