We’re never too old to learn from others.

Recently I saw a version of this poem by Dorothy Law Nolte quoted in the Dear Abby advice column.

Children Learn What They Live

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 encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.

If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

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.

It’s definitely great parenting advice, but it applies to everyone, no matter how old they are.

Read it again, and this time, replace children with people.

As I did that, I thought about how, even as a senior adult, I learn from and respond to the environment others around me help create through what they say and do. And I thought about why I should never stop trying to be someone who helps other people of all ages learn confidence, patience, appreciation, truth, faith, and love.

We never stop learning what we live—and we never stop teaching others.

What did you teach someone today?

Jacquelyn Lynn
Follow me
Latest posts by Jacquelyn Lynn (see all)