Children Learn What They Live

Many years ago my grandfather had a small card in his library with the following words of wisdom.  The advice is as appropriate today as it was when I was growing up.  Love never fails.


CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE


If a child


lives with criticism,


he learns to condemn.


If a child


lives with hostility,


he learns to fight.


If a child


lives with ridicule,


he learns to be shy.


If a child


lives with shame,


he learns to feel guilty.


If a child


lives with tolerance,


he learns to be patient.


If a child


lives with encouragement,


he learns confidence.


If a child


lives with praise,


he learns to appreciate.


If a child


lives with fairness,


he learns justice.


If a child


lives with security,


he learns to have faith.


If a child


lives with approval,


he learns to like himself.


If a child


lives with acceptance and friendship,


he learns to find love in the world.


Dorothy Law Nolte (1963*)



Please feel free to copy for your own use.

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