Children Learn
What They Live
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.
Today I Taught My Child
When I got mad today and hit my child
"For his own good," I reconciled,
and then I realized my plight.
Today, I taught my child to fight.
When interrupted by the phone,
I said, "tell them I'm not home."
And then I thought, and had to sigh,
Today I taught my child to lie.
I told the tax man what I made,
forgetting cash that was paid,
And then I blushed at this sad feat,
Today I taught my child to cheat.
I smuggly copied a cassette,
To keep me from one more debt,
But now the bells of shame must peal,
Today I taught my child to steal.
Today I cursed another race,
Oh God, protect what I debase,
for now, I fear it is too late,
Today I taught my child to hate.
By my example, children learn,
That I must lead a life's sojourn,
In such a way they are led,
by what is done, and not what is said.
Today I gave my child his due
By praise for him, instead of rue.
And now I have begun my guide;
Today I gave my child his pride.
I now have reconciled and paid
to IRS all that I have made.
And now I know, that this dear youth,
Today has learned from me the truth.
The alms I give are not for show,
And yet, this child must surely know
That charity is worth the price;
Today he saw my sacrifice.
I clasp with a warm embrace
My neighbor of another race,
The great commandment from up above,
Today I taught my child to love.
Someday my child must face alone,
The fearsome undertone,
But I have blazed a sure pathway;
Today I taught my child to pray.
