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About this quote

What does it mean?
Parents should encourage independence early to stay trusted advisors later.
In plain terms
Let kids act on their own so they listen to you when they grow up.
What can you take from it?
Supporting autonomy now builds trust for the future.

Where it applies

  • parenting advice
  • education
  • family dynamics

Putting it to work

  • encouraging self-reliance
  • preparing for adulthood
  • building trust

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance control and freedom?
  • What makes a parent a friend?

Another view

Too much freedom too soon can lead to poor choices.

More from Elizabeth Gaskell

  1. Were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.

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  2. That kind of patriotism which consists in hating all other nations.

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Trust a girl of sixteen for knowing well if she is pretty; concerning her plainness she may be ignorant.

    Permalink to quote #1

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