Ways To Love A Child...

Guest Author - Danielle Hollister

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. Honor their no's. Apologize. 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. Honor their differences. Respect them. Remember they have not been on earth very long.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

A CHILD TO LOVE

You can have your wealth and riches All the things so many seek,

Position, power, and success, The fame you long to keep.

You can earn as much as you wish, Reach a status high above,

But none of these can equal Having one sweet child to love.

'Tis the greatest gift from heaven, Little arms that hold you tight,

And a kiss so soft and gentle When you tuck them in at night.

A million precious questions And each story often read,

Two eyes so bright and smiling, And a darling tousled head.

God has never matched the goodness Of a trusting little face,

Or a heart so full of laughter Spreading sunshine every place.