Children Learn What They Live – Poem By Dorothy Law Nolte
Looking for the poem Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte? Here it is – the secret to raising strong kids.
Let’s chat about the poem Children Learn What They Live.
I can’t think of a poem that more eloquently explains the power that adults have over their children’s lives than the one written by Dorothy Nolte titled Children Learn What They Live.
The following poem CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE is simple yet powerful.
In fact, it is brutally honest to the point it almost hurts. If you’re a parent, please note what I am about to say. Even better, engrave these words on the inside of your head.
HOW YOU BEHAVE IN YOUR HOME, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, WILL HAVE A LONG-LASTING EFFECT ON YOUR CHILDREN.
Are you aware of the impact you have having on your child’s life?Are you encouraging them to become confident and happy young humans? Or are you saddling them with more than their fair share of baggage that they will need to carry with them forever through life?
Remember this: as Frederick Douglass once said:
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
Without further ado, here’s the poem Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte:
Children Learn What They Live By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
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.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
Want to know what this poem means?
“Children learn what they live” is a profound statement that emphasizes the influential role of environment and upbringing in shaping a child’s development, beliefs, and behaviors. It suggests that the experiences, values, and behaviors children are exposed to in their early years significantly influence their learning and growth.
At its core, this phrase underscores the importance of positive role modeling and nurturing environments in fostering healthy development and well-being in children.
Children are highly observant and impressionable, and they often mimic the behaviors and attitudes of the adults and peers around them.
Therefore, the way they are treated, the interactions they witness, and the values that are instilled in them at home, school, and within their community profoundly impact their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
For instance, if children are raised in an environment characterized by love, respect, kindness, and empathy, they are more likely to internalize these values and exhibit similar behaviors in their own interactions with others.
On the other hand, if they are exposed to negativity, conflict, or violence, they may internalize these behaviors and struggle to develop healthy relationships and coping mechanisms.
In essence, “children learn what they live” serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, educators, and society as a whole of their collective responsibility to provide nurturing, supportive, and positive environments for children to thrive.
IN A NUTSHELL
I want you to keep this poem in mind during your parenting journey. By modeling and promoting positive behaviors, attitudes, and values, adults can definitely help shape a generation of resilient, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
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Hey, I’m Frances Vidakovic! I help you live a richer, lighter life while pursuing dreamy goals – without sacrificing your soul, sanity or family life. 🫶🏻 Author. Coach. Course Creator. DON’T DIE UNHAPPY! → Wake up. Do what matters. Savour it all 🌷