Modeling: Children Learn What They Live

In the early part of the summer, I was a guest at a convention in the Gulf.  Amid the tar balls on the beach and the oil in the water, I learned something that I've thought about many times since.  A speaker related how we attract people who are mirrors of ourselves.  Using his viewpoint to encourage the class participants to evaluate the people with whom they associate, he taught that "the importance of associating with good people is paramount to success."  He said (and please pardon the crass word choice) "...if you look around and all of your friends suck, maybe YOU suck.  Do something about it!"

We are never too old to be influenced by negativity to which we are exposed; neither are we ever too old to embrace innocence and purity in all of its forms.

I was immediately reminded of this timeless prose ~ 

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
-Dorothy Law Nolte, PhD

As a mother and a teacher, I've learned that our children become US.  Just like the "modeling" I do in music class with my students, what I "model" for my own children in life is what they will become.

If children end up in trouble, the Universe must ask the question: "What did they witness all of their lives?"

It is imperative to be a good example to children, for children, and with children. Everyone wins when we can all "walk in the light" together. Everyone loses when we can't.