(New Beginnings, No. 10)
As Christmas approaches parents are thinking about presents for their children. Perhaps what children need, and not only at Christmas, is presence more than presents – the presence of their parents at home, not just with them but for them. With them could mean no more than being in the same room, but ignoring them by watching television. For them means showing an interest in them, talking to them and, especially, listening to them.
Children who live with criticism learn to condemn.
Children who live with hostility learn to fight.
Children who live with ridicule learn to be shy.
Children who live with shame learn to be guilty.
Children who live with tolerance learn to be patient.
Children who live with encouragement learn confidence.
Children who live with praise learn to appreciate.
Children who live with fairness learn justice.
Children who live with security learn to have faith.
Children who live with approval learn to have self-esteem.
Children who live with acceptance and friendship learn love.
Children who live with loving parents can believe in a loving God.
Children learn what they live.
(Anon.)
At the end of life there can be few things giving greater satisfaction to parents than the knowledge of having done a good job of bringing up their children.