This Mom Grows Up!: Autumn Grace #24: "Children Learn What They Live" + Gentle Parenting Links

Friday, October 24, 2014

Autumn Grace #24: "Children Learn What They Live" + Gentle Parenting Links

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.

A Christian therapist recently reminded me of "Children Learn What They Live." We used to have a framed copy of this hanging in our hallway.

I am constantly working at becoming a more gentle and understanding mother. I feel like I have to retrain myself out of years of bad habits. It is still too easy to be grumpy, but that doesn't serve anyone well. I remind myself that I am my children's advocate, not their adversary. I am for them, not against them. A hug, a smile, and an affirmation will do wonders - far more effective than sharp words or harsh punishment in the long run.

I am also remembering to take the time to make memories with my children. Today, that meant taking my little girl to the pumpkin patch when we were already out running errands, even though we are going again tomorrow with her brother and sister. I wanted her to know that she is special and that I care about her. She's got a tender little girl heart, and small things mean so much to her. That was our home school field trip for the week. :-)