Children learn what they live, by Dorothy Law Nolte

It comes to my mind the attention I paid to what I read in a poster titled “Children learn what they live”, more than twenty years ago. It contained some sentences about the education of children, written by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. (1924-2005).

The author wrote these statements in 1954 for The Torrance Herald, a journal of Los Angeles County, State of California. Later on, without the knowledge of the writer, the above text was massively published by a Company, manufacturer of food products for children. When the author discovered that millions of copies were distributed, she decided to apply for the intellectual property of the work to be registered, thus having the author´s rights, since 1972. However, she let the Company to continue using her text, freely.

In 1998, she wrote “Children learn what they live: Parenting to inspire values”, with the collaboration of Rachel Harris. The book was translated into eighteen languages. A complete chapter was dedicated to each single sentence of the text.

Both, the written statements and the book, want to emphasize the importance that the behavior of the adults has in the educational process and learning of our kids, which is the best example for the children.

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.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

Image found in Internet, modified for the blog: 13962734-ejemplo-de-los-padres-de-familia-feliz-hijo-e-hija-Foto-de-archivo

Para leerlo en español:

To read it in Spanish: 

http://undiaconilusion.blogspot.com.es/2017/01/los-ninos-aprenden-lo-que-viven-de.html