Poem by Dorothy Law Nolte

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 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.