There are two things children should get from their parents: roots and wings.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Children need both a grounding foundation and the freedom to explore.
- In plain terms
- Give kids roots and wings.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance stability with independence in parenting.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much structure is enough?
- When does freedom become neglect?
Another view
Too much freedom can be destabilizing.
More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and though distant, …
Permalink to quote #141 Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.
Permalink to quote #143 The phrases that men hear or repeat continually, end by becoming convictions and ossify the organs of intelligence.
Permalink to quote #140
Related quotes
I'm convinced that today the majority of Americans want what those first Americans wanted: A better life for themselves and their children; a minimum of govern…
Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan quote #9 A highly developed moral nature joined to an undeveloped intellectual nature, an undeveloped artistic nature, and a very limited religious nature, is of necess…
Walter BagehotWalter Bagehot quote #21 The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant - and let the air out of their tires.
Dorothy ParkerDorothy Parker quote #35