Customer Reviews

Children Learn What They Live

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This outstanding book is focused on leadership and management for the single most important leadership role, title, or position in life-a parent.

The book is an in-depth exploration of one of my all-time favorite poems that goes by the same title. For readers unfamiliar with Dorothy Law Nolte's 1954 classic poem, it is included in the front of the book along with Nolte's introduction, "The Story of "Children Learn What They Live,"" in which she shares her thought processes and experiences that led to her wonderful creation.

If there were any doubts about the unbelievably powerful influence that parents have on their children, this book will erase any such doubts. I found it a delightful and insightful, easy-to-read book filled with many realistic, common family situations that reflected my own beliefs, experiences, and personal parental goals and expectations. The stories and examples were very effective in helping me to understand and visualize the authors' main points and insights.

The most important theme throughout the book for me was that parents have conscious choices to make when it comes to responding to their children. Often, those choices are between good, helpful, thoughtful, and objective proactive responses, and bad, hurtful, thoughtless, and emotional reactive responses. Children are sponges to their parents' words, emotions, and behaviors.

Just as the old adage says that leaders lead by example, parents parent by example. As a father, reading this book reminded me of the closing to another of my all-time favorite poems, "Little Eyes Upon You:" "You are setting an example/every day in all you do,/For the little boy who's waiting/to grow up to be like you."

This great book should not be read just by parents for raising children, it should be read by everyone for building character and stronger relationships.

I am a second year college student taking Early childhood Education. We had to do a book report and my mother bought me this book. I began to read it and could not put it down. It touched base on all the information that we are taking in class. Every word is so true. I recommended it to my teachers and classmates. The words touched me in a way that i can not describe. When i have chidlren i am going to re-read this book and take notes down, because i know that it will help my parenting skills in so many ways. Already with my nephews i take the information that was in the book and hold it in the back of my mind when dealing with situations. I apply the knowledge in class, in placement, and with chiildren i love dearly. I believe that children are our future and we must support and fosture their learning in every way possible. Every parent should know about this book adn read it, and really think about what is written in it.I have a copy of the poem hanging on my wall and everyday before i go to class or placement i read it, as i think everyone should. The book was a great insparation that i ill forever keep and turn to.

The book along with the poem is great

Cassie

As a third grade teacher and an expectant mother, I think this book is a great way to begin a parenting philosophy. I was given the poem this book was based on as an undergrad and always wondered how this could be applied to everyday, real life. The brief essay like chapters neatly spell out how to relate the poem's message to raising and understanding children. I agree with other reviewers that not everything is as black and white as the author might have us think, but this book gives a solid basis to raising children in a very confusing time.
I really liked the way the book was set up - in short easy to read chapters (even my husband didn't mind reading it), and I liked the real life examples that every parent can relate to. While I don't believe this book to be the answer to every parenting problem that might arise, I think it gives both new and seasoned parents a wonderful way to shape thier thinking on how to raise healthy and happy children.

Children Learn What They Live is a fantastic book for any parent who truly cares how children feel. Ms. Nolte gives insight to dealing with day-to-day issues of parenting, along with kind ways to help children both learn from mistakes and appreciate their accomplishments. After reading the book from cover to cover the first day, I keep it on my bathroom counter and read a bit every day to remind myself and my husband how important we are to our son's life.

This one is a keeper. I find it inspiring and insightful ~~ and not condemning ~~ just helpful. It is encouraging and wonderfully short so if you're busy and don't have a lot of time to read it, it's perfect for you. It is also a book that you can keep in your library as your kids grow older and then pass it onto them when they start raising their own children.

Parenting isn't easy and sometimes, these parenting books can be overwhelming and can make the reader feel inadequate because there are times when nothing works. This book is a gentle reminder that we aren't alone in our struggles and yes, our behavior does teach our children the things to do or not to do. However, this book also give you insights on what your child might be thinking or feeling and sometimes, offer you practical solutions for your child to put to practice. Life isn't perfect but having stability in the family life is very important as well as parents who try to model thoughtfulness and sincerity in everything they do.

It is a little book but it sure packs a lot of thoughtful insights. I wish I had this book when the boys were in their terrible threes. But now that I have it, I plan to cherish it for as long as I need it and pass it onto their children.

7-25-06

I discovered Nolte's parenting books from a glowing review in the Orlando Sentinel. I'd always loved her poem that evolved into these books. Whenever I see a parent ridiculing a child or shaming them, I wish they knew the poem.
Hopefully these books will reach a whole new generation of parents and help them become better role models for their children.
"If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence." This book will make a great baby shower present (wrapped in with a rattle or other item).

I was a little disappointed with this book. I purchased a few parenting books from Amazon and this wasn't a shining example. cute but missed the boat. I much prefered 10 Principles For Spiritual parenting. The idas in that book I'm using. I want books like 10 Principles that give me real things TO DO.

I bought this for my niece who is pregnant. It's a wonderful book and should remind anyone who reads it that they have to teach by example.

Chapters based on different parts of familiar poem. Most of the content is common sense but the examples given make the book interesting and ones to file to memory.

I have been familiar with the poem on which the book is based since I was a child. As a parent of 2 kids now, I realize how relevant the words are. This book is not going to teach you elaborate theories or methods for parenting. What it will provide you with is a lot of a-ha moments and examples. Sometimes as a parent you need to take a step back and ask what you hope to achieve through your actions. The books is easy to read and each chapter has a theme. This would be a great gift for anyone who lives or spends a lot of time with kids.