1 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH CRITICISM, HE LEARNS TO CONDEMN.

PARENT:  This is terrible work.  Why don’t you pay attention and do what you are supposed to do and do it right.

CHILD:  You are no better yourself so why don’t you get your act straight before criticizing me.

VERSE:  James 5:9  “Do not grumble against one another brethren lest you be condemned. “

2 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH HOSTILITY, HE LEARNS TO FIGHT.

PARENT:  You are just no good.  I can’t stand to be around you.

CHILD:  What makes you think you are so much better.  Let’s duke it out to see who is best.

VERSE:  Hebrews 12:3  “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

3 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH RIDICULE, HE LEARNS TO BE SHY.

PARENT:  Why can’t you be more outgoing like the other kids your age.

CHILD:  I don’t like being around them because they make me feel like I am different.

VERSE:  Isaiah 57:4  “Whom do you ridicule? “

4 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH SHAME, HE LEARNS TO FEEL GUILTY.

PARENT:  You ought to be ashamed of yourself for not acting better.

CHILD:  I’m sorry, I just can’t do ANYthing right.

VERSE:  Psalm 4:2  “How long will you turn my glory to shame?”

5 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH TOLERANCE, HE LEARNS TO BE PATIENT.

PARENT:  I know it is hard growing up and being yourself.

CHILD:  I’m glad you show me that I just need to be patient and grow at my own rate to become what I ought to be.

VERSE:  James 1:4  “Let patience have it’s perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

6 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, HE LEARNS CONFIDENCE.

PARENT:  You really did a good job handling that sticky situation with that bully at school.

CHILD:  Thanks, I try to think things through and act decently and I like knowing you support me.

VERSE:  Colossians 2:2  “That their hearts may be encouraged being knit together in love.“

7 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH PRAISE, HE LEARNS TO APPRECIATE.

PARENT:  You have really become a good musician.

CHILD:  Well you always told me practice makes perfect and I appreciate all the sacrifices you have made to help me get there.

VERSE:  Matthew 21:16  “Jesus said to them “Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have perfected praise.”

8 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH FAIRNESS, HE LEARNS JUSTICE.

PARENT:  Thanks for understanding I needed to spend more time with your brother to help him through a rough time.

CHILD:   Fair is fair and I know you do the same for me when I need it.  We are all different and have different needs.

VERSE:  Micah 6:8  “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” 

9 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH SECURITY, HE LEARNS TO HAVE FAITH.

PARENT:  You will have to be in by your regular curfew, midnight is TOO late for a 14-year-old.

CHILD:  OK, I know you want what is best for me and I‘m glad you want to help me learn to set appropriate limits.

VERSE:  Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

10 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH APPROVAL, HE LEARNS TO LIKE HIMSELF.

PARENT:  You did such a good job on that assignment.

CHILD:  Well, you know I try hard to do my best so I can meet my goals in life and become what I want to be.

VERSE:  Philippians 1:9-10  “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more in knowledge and all discernment that you may approve the things that are excellent that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” 

11 - IF A CHILD LIVES WITH ACCEPTANCE AND FRIENDSHIP, HE LEARNS TO FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.

PARENT:  I really like having you around especially when we do things like Relay for Life Cancer Walk

CHILD:  I enjoy being with you, too, and am proud to do things for others with you.

VERSE:  John 13:34  “Love one another as I have loved you.”