Children Learn What They Live; Children Live What They Learn

Children learn what they live
Children live what they learn
Teach them the way to love in their hearts
They will find love in the world

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 ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient,
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence,
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate,
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith,
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself,
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world.

The above is taken from Les Crane Desiderata album which was originally released in 1971. The album consisted of poems narrated by Les Crane and set to music. The words in italics is the chorus and sung, whilst the rest are narrated.

Children Learn What They Live was a poem written by Dorothy Law Nolte. This and the title track, Desiderata have a great influence on me.