Children learn what they live

Lately I've been pondering several issues that have led me to look up this poem below. As I get closer to becoming a mother, I am reminded how important my role will be in this child's life. In my internship I  do short term therapy with clients. They come to me with several psychosocial issues that 99% of the time stemed from their childhood. This is why I love the poem by Dorothy Nolte. I have also been listeneing to church articles on my way to work and school and reading several boks by women who are mothers in our church. I want to be prepared spitirutally to welcome the precious blessing that will be a part of our lives. I know nothing can fully prepare me to be a mother but I am doing all I can to give my child the best life possible. And of course this stems from my own childhood traumas and experiences. I promised myself as a child that I would give my child a better life than mine. So I hope I can remember my own words and the words of the author from this poem. 

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

By: Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism,

he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

he learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear,

he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity,

he learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule,

he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with jealousy,

he learns what envy is.

If a child lives with shame,

he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement,

he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance,

he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise,

he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance,

he learns to love.

If a child lives with approval,

he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with recognition,

he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing,

he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness,

he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security,

he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness,

he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity,

your child will live with peace of mind.

With what is your child living?

Two of the books I am reading

p.s. I will be posting belly pictures soon:)