Children Learn What They Live

it's really been a tough couple of days. Jayden started his round of steroids before we go in for allergy testing. He's been very trying. I don't think I've ever stopped & taken this many deep breaths before.

This day and age it's SO hard to raise kids without so much disapproval around you. It seems like it is a constant struggle. Some days I feel like everything I do gets eye rolls or disapproving laughs or snickers. Why does it sometimes seem like the whole world is working against you? Why is it so hard for people to be happy for one another & the decisions that they make?

Our kids are growing up in a far different world then we ever did. Times have changed and they haven't necessarily changed for the better. Our kids see more, they know more, they experience more, they grow up so much faster.

They see the way we are constantly put down for the way we raise them. They hear the constant disapproval we get after decisions. And while we have the hardest time dealing with every one's opinion, we need to remember —It doesn't matter. They are OUR children and it's what we do that they will remember.

I just don't want to be remembered as a mom that screamed at my children or one who threatened bodily harm if my wishes are not adhered to. And that's why I choose to make the decisions I do and why I've learned to let everyone else's opinion's roll off my shoulder. It's all about that makes me and them happy. Everyone else just needs to realize that. I want my children to be respectfull and obediently comply with my wishes, not cower in fear of what they think a parent might do to them. Children learn what they live, and they will grow up to pass the same onto their own children.

Our Children our highest privilege. There is nothing more important we can do. They are our heaviest burden. There is nothing more difficult we can do. They are our greatest opportunity. There is nothing more satisfying we can do.

Once upon a time, while shopping, I came across this beautiful poem about children upon a wall hanging. I had it in my hand to buy when I was snubbed, laughed at and made fun of & told how ridiculous it was. But I did and still believe what it says and have since then learned not to care what everyone else thinks. These are my kids & I'll raise them just the way I want to. They are the ones I will leave a mark on. They are what's important to me.

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 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 in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.