The poem “Children Learn What They Live” by Dorothy Law Nolte, is a wonderful roadmap to raising positive, happy, and successful children.
The list touches on some of the values contained in my upcoming book “The Mom Principles”. Dorothy and I were probably separated at birth 😀 … Enjoy it!
Children Learn What They Live
“If a child lives with criticism, (s)he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, (s)he learns to fight.
If a child lives with fear, (s)he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with pity, (s)he learns to feel sorry for himself.
If a child lives with ridicule, (s)he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with jealousy, (s)he learns what envy is.
If a child lives with shame, (s)he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with encouragement, (s)he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with tolerance, (s)he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with praise, (s)he learns to be appreciative.
If a child lives with acceptance, (s)he learns to love.
If a child lives with approval, (s)he learns to like him/herself.
If a child lives with recognition, (s)he learns tha it is good to have a goal.
If a child lives with sharing, (s)he learns about generosity.
If a child lives with honesty and fairness, (s)he learns what the truth and justice are.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in him/herself and in those around him/her.
If a child lives with friendliness, (s)he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If you live with serenity, your child will live with peace of mind.
With what is your child living?”
What a powerful question to ask ourselves every single day. While we must take responsibility for our actions and “(wo)man up” to the consequences, I believe that our character is forged during those early years when our modeling our mom, dad and the world around us. Let’s be a light to our children… as positive parents would!
Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results and help others do the same. Dr. Elayna Fernández is a single mom of 4, an award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 5x TEDx speaker. She has spoken at the United Nations, received the President’s Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, and was selected as one of the Top Impactful Leaders and a Woman of Influence by SUCCESS Magazine. Connect with Elayna at thepositivemom.com/ef and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.
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