Children Learn What They Live

By Lynn L. West, PhDc, BCETS, LCPC

Lynn L. West & Associates, LLC

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Children Learn What They Live

Behavior in children reflects the environment they live in and what they learn from the significant people in their lives.
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 feel 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 praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with 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.
Effective rules for parenting
Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Follow through 100% of the time.
Have reasonable expectations and consequences for misbehavior that are understood and articulated well before they are levied on the child.
Children need to be children. Parents need to be adults. Respect boundaries.
Communicate without yelling, hitting, threatening, or intimidating. Raising your voice is perceived as being yelled at by the child.
Tell your child how much you love him/her everyday. Be sure to hug your children often.