Small and Simple Things...

A couple of you asked me if I would post this on my blog, so here it is.  Our ward had enrichment last night and I was one of the many people they asked to give a 1-2 minute talk.  My topic was Small and Simple Things: discovering what works with kids.  Instead of just listing off a bunch of random things, I made it into a poem: 

With all the moments of pure joy and love our children bring into our lives, motherhood can also bring a sense of frustration, complication, feeling invisible and overwhelmed at times.  But, it is in the "small and simple things," that will help us discover what works with our own children. 

What is it that a child really needs? 

It's the small and simple things, 

like teaching them thank you and please. 

I'm sure we all wonder how can I do better today? 

Catch that inner child inside and enjoy your ride, 

of make believe, and fishy kisses

of laughter, and love, and sweet little wishes.

Reading, and building, creating, exploring.  

These small and simple things,

may seem so insignificant, 

but in the big picture, you're painting a masterpiece. 

Fine tuning a boy to become a great man, 

or a sweet little girl to a woman of treasure. 

Their are time outs, and tantrums, 

and tests of our patience.

Discipline, and bribery which is one of my favorites. 

But small and simply the things that work best, 

a little more kindness, and a lot more affection,

a simple loving act for some children is far to put aside, 

leading them towards the wrong direction.  

So what is it that we need to discover?

When all is said and done, 

It's the act extended to all of us 

from our Heavenly Father's Son.

Simply Love.