If children live with criticism |
They learn to condemn |
If children live with hostility |
They learn to fight |
If children live with ridicule |
They learn to be shy |
If children live with shame |
They learn to be guilty |
If children live with tolerance |
They learn to be patient |
If children live with encouragement |
They learn confidence |
If children live with praise |
They learn to appreciate |
If children live with fairness |
They learn justice |
If children live with security |
They learn to have faith |
If children live with approval |
They learn to like themselves |
If children live with acceptance, and friendship |
They learn to find love in the world |
Poem by Dorothy Law Nolte