How parenting quotes can help you stay true to your parenting philosophy
Over the years I’ve given keynotes and workshops to thousands of parents. I’ve spoken in every American state, almost every Canadian province and dozens of countries on four continents. The most interesting: Hutterites in Swift Current, the most fascinating: a longhouse in Northern Alberta, the most heart-rending: foster parents in Southern California; the most rewarding: Malaysian moms in Kuala Lumpur. There is no better audience than moms and dads.
No matter where I am, I always conclude my talk with a song entitled, “I Wish” written by an incredibly talented Canadian musician named Ron Hiller (better known to the music world as RONNO).
As Ron’s powerful words come over the speaker system I show a series of quotes about raising the next generationaccompanied by heartwarming photos of children with parents.
I’ve had so many parents ask for copies of those quotes. So here they are…my favorite parenting quotes… and my all time favorite is the last one.
Enjoy!
My Favorite Quotes About Child-Rearing
One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. George Herbert
Other things may change us, but we start and end with family. Anthony Brandt
What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way to the coffin. Harry Ward Beecher
A child born into a home of ideals has inherited the finest and best which life can give him. Harry H. Epstein
My father didn’t tell me how to live, he lived, and let me watch him do it. Clarence Kelland
All I am is what my mother made me. John Quincy Adams
You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. Polish Proverb
Your children need your presence more than your presents. Jesse Jackson
Kids spell love T-I-M-E. John Crudele
The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Lane Olinghouse
If there is anything we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves. Jung
Stop trying to perfect your child, but keep trying to perfect your relationship with him. Dr. Henker
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. Kahil Gibran
A torn jacket is soon mended, but hard words bruise the hearts of a child. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The highest measure of a civilization lies in how it cares for its children. Margaret Mead
All a child’s life depends on the ideal it has of its parents. Destroy that and everything goes. E.M. Forester
Children can have no better inheritance than believing parents. Nels F.S. Ferre
The most beautiful sight in the world is a little child going confidently down the road of life after you have shown him the way. Confucius
Using Quotes to Stay True to Your Parenting Beliefs
I keep my favorite quotes taped to my computer and in my daytimer. They are just my little reminders of the kind of parent I want to be to my own three sons. They also keep me inspired when I’m writing and help me to prioritize the key elements of raising good, caring, healthy kids as I’m working on a speech.
Collect quotes that hit your heart and beliefs
What are your favorite quotes? Your first step is to collect ones that matter most to you. Find parenting quotes that mean the most to you, and then put them in a place to remind you to follow that philosophy.
Find a place to keep your quotes visible
Find a place to store your favorite quotes: a journal, a postcard in your wallet, or just a post-it stuck on your mirror.
My girlfriend has a collection of quotes placed all over her bathroom mirror.
Another posted hers as screen savers on her computer.
My industrious friend took the time (and I still don’t know where she found it) to make a needlepoint pillow of the quote that represents her core parenting belief. It’s plopped on her rocking chair by the fireplace and visible when she walks in her home.
Keep perspective!
Read that last quote by Confucius extra carefully! It’s written hundreds of years ago but still sums up our prime role in parenting. We must raise our children in such a way that they have the confidence and competence to live someday without us.
The most beautiful sight in the world is a little child going confidently down the road of life after you have shown him the way. – Confucius
Sigh!
And the time goes by so quickly! Just remember, there’s no rewind button on parenting.
Now go hugs your kids!
All the best!
Dr. Michele Borba, Parenting Expert
I am an educational psychologist, parenting expert, TODAY show contributor and author of 22 books.
You can also refer to my daily blog, Dr. Borba’s Reality Checkfor ongoing parenting solutions and late-breaking news about child development.
Follow me on twitter @MicheleBorba
You can also find dozens more research-based and practical tips in my latest book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions.