Children Learn What They Live

I first read this poem after my mom posted it on our fridge when we moved to Alaska. I recall analyzing it, memorizing it and committing to myself that if I ever had children, I wouldn’t forget these words.

It actually answered a lot of personal questions I had about how I functioned negatively as well as positively. It trained my mind a bit on the areas of my life that needed work. I found a lot of encouragement in those words. And oh how the journey has changed in the years since!

Its the focus on the grace of the gospel and its power to change my life, and meditating on scripture where I continue to find strength and forgiveness in this troubled world. But I will never forget this poem.

It’s certainly taken on new life, this year.

Children Learn What They Live

by Dorothy Law Nolte

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 be 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.

Excerpted from the book CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE