This is a poem written by Dorothy Law Nolte in 1952 that is worth re-sharing as much as possible. It highlights the potential effects on a child when growing up in an ideal, or unideal, environment. It’s an insightful poem that may shed light on how you were raised, or how your behaviour could have affected those that you care for.
Dorothy Law Nolte (1924-2005) was born in Los Angeles, raising a family of two children. This famous poem was written for her column “Creative Family Living” about raising a family, for a Californian newspaper called “Torrance Herald”. Throughout her life she also trained as a family counsellor, ran parenting classes, and founded a kindergarten.
Children Learn What They Live
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 about him.
If a child lives with friendliness, 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?
(Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte)