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.

Evangelist Rachel Thomas