Be There. Say "yes" as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If They're crabby, put them in water.
	If they're unlovable-  love yourself. If they're not nice -YOU be nicer Realize how important it is to be a child. Go to a drive-in theater in your pajamas Read books out loud with joy.
	Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are.  Surprise them.  Say "no" when necessary.
	Bake a cake and eat it with no hands.     Plan to build a rocket ship.    Imagine yourself magic.    Make lots of forts with blankets.
	Let your angel fly. Reveal your own dreams.    Search out the positive.  Keep the gleam in your eye.     Mail letters to God.  Encourage silly.
	Plant licorice in your garden.  Stop yelling.    Express your love.  A LOT.  Speak kindly.       Paint their tennis shoes.  Handle with caring.

Don't spoil me.  I know that I ought not to have all that I ask for - I am only testing you. Don't be afraid to be firm and set rules and limits.  It makes me feel secure. Don't protect me from consequences.  Sometimes I need to learn the hard way.

Don't let me form bad habits.  I rely on you to detect them in the early stages  and and give me direction BY EXAMPLE. Don't make me feel smaller than I am.  It only makes me behave badly to prove that I am "big". Don't correct me in front of people if you can help it. Praise in public. Chastise in private.

Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do, you will find that I will stop asking you and seek information elsewhere. Don't tell me that my fears are silly. They are real to me and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.

Don't be inconsistant.  That confuses me and makes me lose faith in you. Don't EVER think that it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you. Don't forget that I can't thrive without lots of love and affection.  I need your quality time and your affection. Because "stuff happens", lets stick together.  I believe in you. I need to know that you believe in me too.

                         - Author Unknown

Mackenzie and Mommy (Amy)
 

IF I HAD MY CHILD TO RAISE OVER AGAIN

If I had my child to raise all over again, I'd finger-paint more, and point fingers 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 build self-esteem first, and the house later.  I would be firm less often, and affirm much more. I'd teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love. .

       By Diane Loomans
From "Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul"
Daily Chicken Soup for the soul  HERE

 

"The most important thing a father can do for his children
is to love their mother."
                         - Henry Ward Beecher

Amy, Anthony and Mackenzie

Marci and Jack's Wedding Day
  Amy and Anthony's Wedding Day

All photos on this page were taken by Bill.

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