Children Learn What They Live By

The time was now to share this poem as my spirit just moved me to publish this on my page. How heartfelt life is and things are bound to happen that may be heartbreaking, but somehow the pieces have to be put together. Everyone has value no matter what label society may put on them, self-esteem is something that needs to be worked on and security of mind and spirit is needed more and more.


With the tragic incident that has happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the United States it shows that now more than ever before; people should be good to themselves and others. Somehow we have to see someone hurting so that we can catch them in order to prevent everyone from falling hard out of grace. Children are going through a lot of things, but I am happy that I am aware of all the joys that come from being a child when you know you are loved and protected by a trusted caring adult. Childhood should be a time of innocence that endures with the hope that it will not being taken away by no man. 



 This is a powerful yet simple poem that explains everything well when it comes to behavior.
written by: Dorothy Law Nolton (January 12, 1924- November 6, 2005)
Here is the version given to me that I thought I should share.


Children Learn What They Live (1969)
BY DOROTHY LAW NOLTE
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.


Other Version:

“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 envy . . .
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty ...

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 children live with approval, they learn to like themselves..
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .”

― Dorothy Law Nolte, Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/426749-if-a-child-lives-with-criticism-he-learns-to-condemn