Children Learn What They Live

A poem, 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 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 what envy is.
If a child lives with shame,
      he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with encouragement,
     he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with tolerance,
     he learns to be patient.
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 approval,
     he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with recognition,
     he learns that it is good to have a goal.
If a child lives with sharing,
     he learns about generosity.
If a child lives with honesty and fairness,
     he learns what truth and justice are.
If a child lives with security,
     he learns to have faith in himself and in those around him.
If a child lives with friendliness,
     he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If you live in serenity,
    your child will live with peace of mind.
                         With what is your child living?