Children Learn What They Live

While looking through some old items the other day, I came across a small, framed poem that we used to have hanging in our house years ago. The version I have has a 1972 copyright notice. The poet is Dorothy Law Nolte, but on the web (click here), I found a discussion of how she may have written this in 1954 as Dorothy Law. Anyway, it is a wonderful poem that speaks volumes about the way children should be raised. I comment about it here, because I'm so impressed with all of my grandchildren and the terrific jobs I think my children and their spouses are doing in raising these four little persons. They must be paying attention to the poem, whether they are aware of it or not.

Here is the poem:

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 –