Baby Love, Part III

Children Learn What They Live
by Dorothy Law Nolte (1924 - 2005)

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.

(Underlined words are links to the Random Acts of Kindness Homepage)

You're probably familiar with the above selection. The first time I ever saw it was on a small plaque I got at a yard sale. I have since passed it on to a friend, but the words have had a lasting impression on me. In an internet search, I learned that there are actually many variations on Dorothy Nolte's original, but all are filled with wisdom.

This third in my series of "Baby Love" posts has as its theme OUR responsibility as adults to love and nurture the babies and children God has allowed us to be around.

"If children live with security they learn to have faith in themselves and those about them."
"Eency weency spider climbed up the waterspout. . . ."

"If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves."

"If children live with praise, they learn appreciation."



"If children live with sharing, they learn generosity."

We're sharing OUR babies. I cuddle Brianna while Amanda feeds Claire.

"If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence."

"Umm, Aunt Jennifer, did you get us mixed up again?"

"If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live."

"If children live with tolerance, they learn patience."

"If children live with acceptance, they learn to love."

AND to accept crazy relatives for who they are. Like Grandpa.

And Grandma.

And a couple of up-to-date additions:

"If a child lives with a camera, she learns to recognize a good photo op. . .

"and to explore new technologies."

Remember: LOVE THE CHILDREN!