A Memorandum From Your Child
1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE FIRM WITH ME.
(I prefer it. It lets me know where I stand.)
2. DON’T BE INCONSISTENT BECAUSE I HAVE PROBLEMS.
(That confuses me and make me try harder to get away with everything I can.)
3. DON’T LET MY “BAD HABITS” GET A LOT OF YOUR ATTENTION.
(It only encourages me to continue them.)
4. DON’T CORRECT ME IN FRONT OF PEOPLE.
(I’ll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.)
5. DON’T PROTECT ME FROM CONSEQUENCES.
(I need to learn from experiences.)
6. DON’T EVER THINK IT IS BENEATH YOUR DIGNITY TO APOLOGIZE TO ME.
(An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.)
7. DON’T LET MY FEARS AROUSE YOUR ANXIETY.
(Then I will become more afraid.
Show me courage.)
8. DON’T FORGET THAT I CAN’T THRIVE WITHOUT LOTS OF UNDERSTANDING AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
(But I don’t need to tell you that, do I?)
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.
–Source unknown–
Bao Huynh