Did you ever wonder how you got to be the way you are?
Why do many of us share similar values? Why do others operate on a totally different wavelength? My friends share common traits: having faith, belief and perseverance. Living with a high degree of integrity. Doing what they promise. They’re loving, kind and generous.
So – what makes us who we are?
In a recent conversation with my friend, Carolyn Owens, I mentioned my belief that “children learn what they live.” That’s how we become who are as adults.
“You’ve GOT to write that in an article,” Carolyn said excitedly.
“Really?” (I didn’t think it was so profound. After all, I had read and re-read this poem in our family’s kitchen for years. My mom had posted it till the paper got yellowed.)
“You REALLY think people want to read that?” I asked again.
“Yes – YES!” Carolyn urged me on. I can’t resist Carolyn, so here we are… I never imagined I’d be writing on this topic, but sometimes I think we’re guided to move forward in a new way.
Since many decades have passed since I read the whole poem, I did a little research.
“Children Learn What They Live” was written by Dorothy Nolte and printed in a column for the Torrance Herald in 1954. The poem was distributed to MILLIONS of new parents in BABY FORMULA! (How about that? No wonder mom found this poem!) Nolte’s poem was eventually copyrighted in 1972, and expanded into a book in 1998. At the time of Nolte’s death, this book had more than 3 MILLION copies in print worldwide, and translated into 18 languages!
Now, I suddenly realized the significance of this poem. It has been teaching generations how to raise their children!
Please take a minute to learn from a master teacher. Keep in mind: whatever we do affects our youth. It’s up to us to shape the next generation…
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
By: Dorothy Nolte, PhD. (January 12, 1924 – November 6, 2005)
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
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 to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D
