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 be shy.

If children live with jealousy,
    they learn what envy is.

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 to be confident.

If children live with praise,
    they learn to appreciate.

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

If children live with acceptance,
    they learn to find love in the world.

If children live with recognition,
    they learn to have a goal.

If children live with sharing,
    they learn to be generous.

If children live with honesty and fairness,
    they learn what truth and justice are.

If children live with security,
    they learn to have faith in themselves
    and in those around them.

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

If children live with serenity,
    they learn to have peace of mind.

With what are your children living?

-Dorothy L. Nolte