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Reflections on Children Learn What They Live

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

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!

Elayna is a homeschool educator, single mom of 4, founder of the Positive MOM Community, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 3x TEDx speaker. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

Be Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna FernandBe Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOMez ~ The Positive MOM
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