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About this quote

What does it mean?
Children deserve respect as humans, but parents must also lead firmly to earn cooperation and politeness.
In plain terms
Treat children with respect but also lead them firmly.
What can you take from it?
Respect and firm leadership should go hand in hand.

Where it applies

  • parenting conflicts
  • setting boundaries

Putting it to work

  • set clear boundaries
  • model respectful behavior

Questions to consider

  • How do you show respect to children?
  • Is leadership the same as control?

Another view

It risks conflating respect with obedience.

More from Benjamin Spock

  1. Perhaps a child who is fussed over gets a feeling of destiny; he thinks he is the world for something important, and it gives him drive and confidence.

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  2. The loving person makes other people feel good, and he is usually a happy person himself. He is able to form strong, long-lasting friendships.

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  3. Most middle-class whites have no idea what it feels like to be subjected to police who are routinely suspicious, rude, belligerent, and brutal.

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