Children Learn What They Live

Dorthy Law Nolte wrote “Children Learn What They Live” in 1954 as part of her weekly column on creative family living for a local newspaper in Southern California.

Since then, her words have encouraged millions of parents worldwide to be more aware of the lasting impact of their actions, behaviors and attitudes on the children they raise, love, and cherish.

The understanding that children learn enduring life lessons much more from the actions of their parents, as opposed to their words (especially when their words and actions don’t match), has inspired generations of mothers and fathers to learn the skills and create environments that offer their children the greatest opportunity for happiness, fulfillment, and success.

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.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte