Children Learn What They Live…

If children live with criticism,

They Learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,

They learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,

They learn to be shy.

If children live with shame,

They learn to feel guilty

If children live with tolerance,

They learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,

They learn confidence.

If children live with praise,

They learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness,

They learn justice.

If children live with security,

They learn to have faith.

If children live with approval,

They learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance and friendship,

They learn to find love in the world.

~Dorothy Law Notle~

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE!

As a mother of 3 young children, I feel it’s imperative to live what we teach.  As adults we must be held accountable for our actions, our thoughts and words.  Children learn what they live! They get it! They see it! They Taste it! They live it!  Children are smart!

The old saying “children must be seen not heard!” is way out dated!

Children listen intently, and as a matter of fact, they are at their most vulnerable and most acute during their very first 5 years!

Understand that the first 5 years are the most crucial time for a child!  It is at this time when their receptors are connecting.  They’re minds are like sponges and they are eager to absorb every single sensory stimulation.

So, be aware when children around you. They retain every piece of information they exposed to…GOOD & BAD!

Believe in their spirits and make believe worlds. Listen to their stories and encourage them to build on their imaginations.  Let them explore and allow them to ask questions, even if they seem a bit bizarre at times.  Listen, at the age of 4 my youngest child was asking about the color of the moon.  Now tell me, have you ever had a 4 yr old child ask you why the moon looks white sometimes and yellow on other nights?  I hadn’t, until she did! She challenged ME!  Now that’s powerful!

Children are pure and free of worries.  Let’s not spoil their little hearts and minds with our chaotic unbalanced world…NO!  They’re too young and shouldn’t be exposed to the negatives!

Children are special gifts, cherish them and thank your savior for each and every moment you are given with your children.  These are my girls and nieces. They are special and I love each one for their unique qualities, talents and for simply allowing me to love them!

I encourage you to read the poem again and this time, read it out out loud.  Read it like you mean it!  Read it as if you were talking about you and your child.  Believe in the words you recite and say them with compassion and heart, the same heart that loves!  Children learn what they live!