What House Do You Live In?

What House Do You Live In?
While I was searching around for some information I needed for school next week I ran across this poem. It was posted on the Kids Page at Pat's Web Graphics.

Thanks to Pat for the reminder that children learn what they live. I often catch myself being hard on my kids and expect a lot out of them.

Are we criticizers, or encouragers?


What House Do You Live In?

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked,
"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom. I've got the dishes done!"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
"And did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away!"
His father asked him, with a shrug.
"Did you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door
Seem happy and content.
The same things happened over there,
But this is how it went:

"I got two A's," the small boy cried,
His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said, "That's great!
I'm glad you live with me!"

"Mom I've got the dishes done!
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said.
"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass." the tall boy said.
"And put the mower away!"
His father answered with much joy.
"You've made my happy day!"

Children deserve a little praise
For tasks they're asked to do
If they're to lead a happy life.
So much depends on you.

- Author Unknown