Children learn what they live.

Post 456 - An ancient Chinese proverb says, “A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.” Children also learn what they live … this is the name of the following piece which Dorothy Nolte wrote in 1954 to fill a weekly family advice column in a Torrance California newspaper. It went on to become a child-rearing anthem for parents around the world and has been reprinted in over thirty languages.

Dorothy Law Nolte Ph.D. (1924 – 2005) was a writer and family counselor, the mother of three, grandmother of three, and great grandmother of five.

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 ridicule
He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame
He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be tolerant.

If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice.

If a child lives with security
He learns faith.

If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find love in the world.