Children Learn What They Live {Printable}

My mom gave me this, "Children Learn What They Live" (by Dorothy Law Nolte) a few months ago.  I remember hearing it when I was younger, but now that I have children of my own, it really hits home with me.  I don't know if it's because school has started and we're all going through some adjustments, but I seem to be keenly aware of my parenting techniques lately.

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One of my twins has had a bit of anxiety with the first few days of first grade.   It's always a bit challenging when you see your own children struggle.  Then, if you're like me, you begin to wonder if you're doing everything you need to as a parent.  I fall short in some ways, but I feel like I do well in others.  I love quotes like this one that help me remember what's important and what I should be focusing on as a parent.  

The printable is a bit hard to read on the screen, so here's a larger version for you.

Children Learn What They Live

By:  Dorothy Law Nolte

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.

This quote by Dorothy Nolte also reminded me of something I read on our church's website several years ago.  It comes from the Family Home Evening Resource Manual.  It states,

"We can learn to be better parents by studying the scriptures to see how Heavenly Father deals with his children.  We can also learn how not to act by observing Satan's methods."  The manual then provides a table showing the Lord's way in one column, and Satan's way in the other (click here to see the table).  

I know it may seem a bit extreme to compare one's self to Heavenly Father or Satan, and I understand that all of our religious views aren't the same, but the characteristics listed on the table are universal regardless of your religious beliefs.  All I know, is that it's my goal to be on the Lord's side of the table each and every day as a parent.  I'm not perfect by any means, but I have learned that there are blessings that come and improvements can be made as you try a little bit harder to be a little bit better every day.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

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