One of my favorite poems...

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.

Excerpted from the book CHIDLREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
©1998 by Dorothy Law Nolte and Rachel Harris
The poem "Children Learn What They Live"
©Dorothy Law Nolte
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Anyone else trying to raise happy and healthy kids?  If so, I highly recommend Nolte's book, Children Learn What They Live.  I purchased this book at my university's bookstore where I was enrolled as an elementary education major.  It was an inspiring book that served as an excellent resource while I was a teacher.  My job title has changed to full-time mama, but the book is still a gem.  One of the best ten bucks I've ever spent.  I know this book won't help make me a perfect parent or help me raise perfect kids.  That's not my goal.  All I really want is to do the best job I can, and hopefully in doing so I will raise my kids to be good people.

Comments

[tonya]

aahh, thanks for this. I have seen this, probably more than once, but do I remember it all the time? No. Like you, I just want to do the best I can and raise "good people". I think I am, and this helps.
t

[Becky]

I love that poem. I'm right there with you on the goal...I know my kids aren't perfect, and I'm not either. We're just doing the best we can, and hoping that they're turning into the good people we know they can be.

[jamie]

you are a good mama, joy! :)
and i love the new banner. so exotic. :)

[marygrace]

I want my own kiddo. Yikes! Did I say that?

[Steph]

one of my favorite poems, too!

just discovered your blog - it's beautiful, joy!

[Jocelyn]

Hi Joy!! Well, I'm not trying to raise kids, but it sounds like you're doing a good job. Plus, extra bonus- they are extremely cute.

Glad I found you :)