CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

Have you ever wondered why children turn out to be however great or however horrible they become in adulthood?

Or do you wonder why children turn into criminals and then into convicts? What happens to our children? Where do they go astray?

I firmly believe that children learn what they live. Years ago, during a visit to Sausalito's September art fair, I bought a framed poster entitled, "Children Learn What They Live". The poster became my tool as I worked with parents who had thrown up their hands in despair and confusion over the inappropriate behavior of a troubled child.

I often heard, "I don't know where he gets this kind of behavior from. We don't allow that to happen in our home." I could have pointed out that in all likely hood their problem child learned the behavior from his or her mother and/or father. Sharing the poster more or less said that.

Here are several variations on the theme Children Learn What They Live.

A CHILD that lives with ridicule learns to be timid
A CHILD that lives with criticism learns to condemn
A CHILD that lives with distrust learns to be deceitful
A CHILD that lives with antagonism learns to be hostile
A CHILD that lives with affection learns to love
A CHILD that lives with encouragement learns confidence
A CHILD that lives with truth learns justice
A CHILD that lives with praise learns to appreciate
A CHILD that lives with sharing learns to be considerate
A CHILD that lives with knowledge learns wisdom
A CHILD that lives with patience learns to be tolerant
A CHILD that lives with happiness will find love and beauty


If a child lives with criticism, he learns to feel discouraged
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to feel angry
If a child lives with violence, he learns to feel afraid
If a child lives with dishonesty, he learns to feel suspicious
If a child lives with judgement, he learns to feel guilty
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to feel ashamed
If a child lives with disorder, he learns to feel confused
If a child lives with disappointment, he learns to feel helpless
If a child lives with silence, he learns to feel lonely

BUT
If a child lives with protection, he learns to feel safe
If a child lives with honesty, he learns to feel trustful
If a child lives with peace, he learns to feel calm
If a child lives with sharing, he learns to feel thankful
If a child lives with understanding, he learns to feel encouraged
If a child lives with laughter, he learns to feel happy
If a child lives with creativity, he learns to feel inspired (turn off the TV!)
If a child lives with choice, he learns to feel free
If a child lives with community, he learns to feel supported
If a child lives with accomplishment, he learns to feel confident
If a child lives with meaning, he learns to feel fulfilled
If a child lives with love, he learns to feel tender

WITH WHAT IS YOUR CHILD LIVING?