I love quotes and sayings. I always have. I find them so inspiring. Often I will read one somewhere and think to myself that I would love to put it up on my wall so I see it everyday. Then they are usually forgotten about until maybe one day I see them again.
I started a little book once, like a diary, and began writing down quotes that I came across that really struck me. I still have it somewhere, although it hasn’t been written in for a while.
Since becoming a mother I have read many wonderful quotes that I believe would help me be a better mother if I could be reminded of them everyday.
Sometimes in the thick of a hard day when I am really being challenged, a few simple words can be all it takes to bring me back to the moment and to think rationally about the situation. To ‘be the parent’ rather than lose my cool and throw my own adult version of a tantrum.
I think I am going to make some pretty signs and place them around the house. A project for the ‘when I get around to it‘ pile.
In the meantime, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite quotes about parenting.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
“We must become the people we want our children to be.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce
“How we treat the child, the child will treat the world.” – Pam Leo
“Children gain competence and confidence from what we do ‘with’ them rather than what we do ‘for’ them.” – Pam Leo
“The way we talk to children will be the way they talk to us and to others. More importantly, it will be the way they talk to themselves.” – Pam Leo
“Children need love most when they appear to deserve it least.” – Pam Leo
“I can only bring peace to my children when I possess it myself.” – Katrina Kenison
“This too shall pass.” – Ancient proverb
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt
“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” – Jesse Jackson
“Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be.” – David Bly
“As your kids grow they may forget what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.” – Kevin Heath
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.” – Hodding Carter, Jr.
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” – Theodore Hesburgh
“Someday everything will all make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile trough the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.” – Unknown
“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” – Agatha Christie
“What counts is not just that we believe we love them unconditionally, but that they feel loved in that way.” – Alfie Kohn
“There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children.” – Marianne Williamson
“Just breathe and choose love” – Me
So there you have it, twenty of my most loved quotes (plus one from me). There are many more and I know my list will keep growing.
What are your favourite parenting quotes and sayings?