Children Learn What They Live
by Dorothy Nolte
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 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 love.
Dorothy Nolte wrote this poem and in 1998 collaborated with Rachel Harris to turn it into a book. The book entitled “Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values” sold over three million copies worldwide. She died in November, 2005 in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at the age of 81. Her poem and book are gifts for future generations of caring parents. Thank you Ms. Nolte for this valuable Teaching Moment.
Suggestions:
- Send this poem to your friends
- Cut it out, enlarge it, and put the poem on your refrigerator
- Buy her book
Quote for discussion:
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
Permission to reprint

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