Ways to Love a Child

Give your presence more than your presents.

Laugh, dance and sing together.

Listen from a heart-space. Encourage. Understand.

Allow them to love themselves.

Say yes as often as possible.

Say no when necessary.

Honour their no's.

Apologise.

Touch gently.

Build lots of blanket forts.

Open up.

Fly kites together.

Lighten up. Believe in possibilities.

Read books out loud. Create a circle of quiet.

Teach feelings. Share your dreams.

Walk in the rain. Celebrate mistakes.  Admit yours.

Frame their artwork. Stay up late together.

Eliminate comparison.  Delight in silliness.

Handle with care. Protect them. Cherish their innocence. Giggle.

Speak kindly.  Go swimming. Splash.

Let them help.  Let them cry. Don't hide your tears.

Brag about them.  Answer their questions.

Let them go when it's time. Let them come back.

Show compassion.  Bend down to talk to children.

Smile even when you're tired.  Surprise with a special lunch.

Don't judge their friends.  Give them enough room to make decisions.

Love all they do.

Honour their differences.

Respect them.

Remember they have not been on earth very long.

Author Unknown.

This poem speaks for itself doesn't it.

I was very touched as it was read to me this morning at the School Transition Visit of my darling first-born daughter, Ess.  She is entering the world of schooling next year and I am very glad that the school she will be attending values children highly and wants to share ways to love them. I am looking forward to a good association with them. Hopefully a longish one.

Enjoy your precious little ones as we approach this Christmas season and remember the importance of your "presence not your presents".