I remember seeing this poem when I was a teenager. Now that I’m a mother and a grandmother, I get it. We all need to remember this.
The Reluctant Retiree
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 feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in
themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a
nice place in which to live.
©1972 Dorothy Law Nolte, All Rights Reserved
This is the author-approved short version
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Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 