I will try and teach you to love the power of love more than to love power. I will honor, respect and love your mother/father and hope that you will do so too. I will help you on your journey and tell you the truth even if it might seem easier to lie. I will give you the best of everything I have and everything I own.

I will try to say yes more than I say no. I will risk more, play more, and laugh more than I have in the past. I will respect your freedom (even babies and children need freedom and “space”) and I will allow you as much freedom as possible according to your age.

I will not jump to your every call, wipe your every tear, or give you everything you ask for. I will not protect you from any of life’s “little dangers” or expected risks. I will not be anxious if you are bored, or dissatisfied because things failed to go your way.

I love you, I want you, I am committed to you – but for my sake and for yours, and with wisdom and necessary accommodations I will continue to do many of the things I enjoyed before you were born.