Primary caregivers play an important role in early childhood development, as do others who interact with a child in any way. February 26th was "National Set a Good Example Day" and brought to the forefront the discussion of everyone’s role in setting a good example. This is a daily responsibility we have for the children in our presence. Everything we do is being observed and many times the observer is a child.
I remember one time when I was taking pictures of the Sunday School classes in my church. I arrived at the 5-6-year-old classroom and a young man, who was in the Air Force, was teaching the class. He said to me, “You are so good with kids, I wish I could be as good.” I smiled and said to him, “To these kids you are a hero, never underestimate yourself, because the kids think differently.”
There is a poem written by Dorothy L. Nolte back in 1955. It is so simple, yet so powerful. I think that if we purposefully make these verses a part of our lives, we will make such an amazing contribution to the children who cross our path.
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.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte
Dr. Sandra Ixa Plata-Potter is Associate Professor and Birth to Kindergarten Coordinator at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. She is a strong proponent of parental engagement and the importance of making known how critically important the first five years of a child’s life is to the rest of their developing future.