I realized that if I ever have children, I don't want them…
““I realized that if I ever have children, I don't want them to have American childhoods. I don't want them to say 'Hi' to adults I want them to say 'Good morning' and 'Good afternoon'. I don't want them to mumble 'Good' when someone says 'How are you?' to them. Or to raise five fingers when asked how old they are. I want them to say 'I'm fine thank you' and 'I'm five years old'. I don't want a child who feeds on praise and expects a star for effort and talks back to adults in the name of self-expression. Is that terribly conservative?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker critiques overly structured, praise‑dependent upbringing that stifles authentic self‑expression.
In simple terms: She warns against raising children who rely on external validation and rigid politeness.
Key Takeaway
Encourage children to develop genuine confidence and balanced self‑expression.
Themes
parenting
culture
authenticity
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
cultural
parenting
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- school environments
- social media interactions
Key Concepts
identity formation
social norms
education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents foster confidence without over‑praise?
- What does authentic politeness look like?
A Different Perspective
Balancing respect and authenticity can be culturally challenging.