Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Imposing strict vows on children about natural behavior is unwise.
In plain terms
Don't make a child promise never to kiss girls.
What can you take from it?
Children should not be bound by rigid moral oaths too early.

Where it applies

  • raising children
  • setting rules
  • moral education

Putting it to work

  • avoid strict childhood vows
  • allow natural growth
  • question early restrictions

Questions to consider

  • What vows do we impose on children?
  • How much freedom should kids have?

Another view

Some boundaries are necessary for protection.

More from Robert Browning

  1. If you get simple beauty and naught else, You get about the best thing God invents.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. I count life just a stuff To try the soul's strength on.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. Take away love, and our earth is a tomb!

    Permalink to quote #28

Related quotes

  1. We've educated children to think that spontaneity is inappropriate. Children are willing to expose themselves to experiences. We aren't. Grownups always say th…

    Maurice SendakMaurice Sendak quote #8
  2. 'Fussy eater' is a euphemism for 'big pain in the ass'.

    George CarlinGeorge Carlin quote #6
  3. Children are tough, though we tend to think of them as fragile. They have to be tough. Childhood is not easy. We sentimentalize children, but they know what's …

    Maurice SendakMaurice Sendak quote #7