When you say to a child 'Bedtime, it's bedtime now' that's not what the child hears. What the child hears is 'Go and lie down in the dark... for hours... and don't move. I'm locking the door now'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He argues that telling a child it is bedtime sounds to them like being locked in the dark alone.
- In plain terms
- Children hear bedtime as being trapped in darkness without movement, not just sleep.
- What can you take from it?
- Perspective changes how instructions are received.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you explain rules to others?
- What does safety feel like to a child?
Another view
Not all children perceive bedtime as frightening.
More from Dylan Moran
The meaning of the word 'gay' has changed. it used to mean all colourful and happy and homosexual but now it's a word children use to describe something that's…
Permalink to quote #29 You, you and you, fuck off, we're having tiffin.
Permalink to quote #31 'Your nose hair... which is grey... is in my eye'
Permalink to quote #28
Related quotes
'Some strong-willed children absolutely demand to be spanked, and their wishes should be granted. . . [T]wo or three stinging strokes on the legs or buttocks w…
James DobsonJames Dobson quote #3 I'm tired of the excuses everybody uses he's their kid I stay out of it, but who gave you the right to do this?
Natalie MerchantNatalie Merchant quote #5 'Fussy eater' is a euphemism for 'big pain in the ass'.
George CarlinGeorge Carlin quote #6