Children Learn What They Live

Children Learn What They Live (1959)
by Dorothy Law Nolte (1924 - 2005)
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 fear, he learns to be apprehensive . . .
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself . . .
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy . . .
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilt . . .
BUT
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient . . .
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident . . .
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative . . .
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love . . .
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .
If a child lives with friendliness (sic), he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .
Excerpted from the book CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

I first discovered this poem when our eldest was on his way to us. I framed it and hung it in each baby's bedrooms for the longest time (now it has an honored place in their baby books). It's also a favorite gift for special new parents.

It reminds me to live with my kids; show them they ways of the world. One of the great things about being a parent is that it stretches you to be your best as often as possible--even when you may not want to be. So, I was delighted by this from the Today Show. Great reminders for how we can stay on track. (We WILL cross off #8 this year!)

Number 10 is speaks to me this weekend...As James Baldwin said, “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” So imagine the life you want for your children when they are your age. Then live it.