In light of the topic of today’s parenting tip, I want to bring your attention to a poem that highlights how children’s development is greatly impacted by the reality that they grew up in. If they grow up only knowing one way of living that will be the only life they know. There is truth to the message carried in the poem: Children are always observing and learning from our actions even from the smallest gestures as we are their first teachers and the trusted guide to help them understand this strange world. Thus know and understand the reality that your children are living in
So read this poem, let it marinade, and share it.
Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
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 patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte