Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte
By Dorothy Law Nolte
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte
Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
This is the author-approved short version.
This poem was on a card we received from the obstetrician/gynecologist office when our youngest son was born. I liked it but when you are busy with an infant the meaning of it gets pushed aside. Thinking about what to put on the post reminded me of this card.
As I reflect on my life and raising my family I see how important this poem is. Watching parents and grandparents these days interact with their children stresses the importance of the above poem.
Thinking back on the time when my boys were growing up I could have spent more time with them doing things that they liked doing.I could have spent more time complimenting them rather than criticizing them. They grow up so fast.
I was at a ladies gathering last evening visiting and a couple of the mothers shared with us that their husbands take time to take their children fishing and the children look forward to it so much. They put everything aside just to go out with dad and fish.
I wonder if all the time I spent away from my family when they were home could have been better spent doing something with my boys.
As the poem says the things you say to your children and if you treat them as blessings or curses are programmed for life and they are played over and over through their lives.
We are precious to God. Think about how precious our children are to us and the lessons we teach as they are growing up. As they are treated by their parents so they treat their spouse and children.
Shirley
Thinking back on the time when my boys were growing up I could have spent more time with them doing things that they liked doing.I could have spent more time complimenting them rather than criticizing them. They grow up so fast.
I was at a ladies gathering last evening visiting and a couple of the mothers shared with us that their husbands take time to take their children fishing and the children look forward to it so much. They put everything aside just to go out with dad and fish.
I wonder if all the time I spent away from my family when they were home could have been better spent doing something with my boys.
As the poem says the things you say to your children and if you treat them as blessings or curses are programmed for life and they are played over and over through their lives.
We are precious to God. Think about how precious our children are to us and the lessons we teach as they are growing up. As they are treated by their parents so they treat their spouse and children.
Shirley
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