Children learn what they live

In 1995 I joined Smile Educational toys as a consultant.

Back then I was a 21 year old mom of 2, a three year old little girl and a 3 month old little boy.

So afraid I wouldn’t be an amazing mom to them, I read everything I could on parenting. I listened to every word of advise I heard and I put it into practice until I found what worked for us as a young family.

One of the first educational consultant training sessions I attended, we read a poem.

This poem became the basis on how I viewed parenting.

The poem was Children learn what they live by Dorothy Law Nolte

Child on bike
Children learn what they live

I share the poem below ….

“CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE”

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 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.

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

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