A wise parent humours the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease.
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
Putting it to work
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
Were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.
Permalink to quote #2 That kind of patriotism which consists in hating all other nations.
Permalink to quote #4 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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