Certain attitudes age us more than others. Sadness and grief are natural and heal quite readily. But always wishing things had worked out differently… - William Martin

Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.

Believe this difficult truth. Showing respect in the face of disrespect, love in the face of hate, trust in the face of betrayal, and serenity in the face of turmoil, will teach your children more than all the moral lectures by all the preachers since the dawn of time.

As you care for your children keep their environment uncluttered, free of useless gadgets and distractions. Keep your conversation honest and straight-forward, free of control and manipulation. Keep your decisions fair and generous, free of punishment and shame.