Children Learn what They Live, by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

A classic.  I recently witnessed a parent forcing their child to do something the child did not want to do.  The child was in tears.  The child was being forced against her will.  The parents were, in essence, taking the child's will away from her.  I love these parents but I did not agree with what they were doing.

I have heard many times that a person must accept responsibility for where they are in life or what they become.  I can agree with this where a person's choices are concerned.  Many times we take a child's choice away from them.  That is wrong and may have lifelong consequences that is not the child's fault.  I hope this child heals and turns out OK.

 This poem by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.  is a classic.  I remember it often.

Children Learn What They LiveBy Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

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.