Here is something I’ve often handed to parents. I think you may agree it is well worth reading.
If a child lives with criticism,
she/he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
she/he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
she/he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
she/he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
she/he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
she/he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
she/he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
she/he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
she/he learns faith.
If a child lives with approval,
she/he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
she/he learns to find love in the world.
Anonymous
In a world with so much violence in real life, TV and video games, when parents individually demonstrate their willingness to look at themselves with scrupulous honesty and own what only they can be responsible for — their own attitude, style of communication and behavior – instead of remaining lost in resentment and blame and then together demonstrate mature ways of relating, their children will learn by example, how to share kind, generous and loving relationships!!
Jeffrey D. Levine
