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More often than not, it’s disrespectful to them (our…

“More often than not, it’s disrespectful to them (our children) - and disrespectful to their struggle with their tasks in life- if our own anxiety as parents makes us cling to our children. It’s disrespectful is we demand more intimacy than they are willing or able to give. Too much involvement…” quote by Daniel Gottlieb
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““More often than not, it’s disrespectful to them (our children) - and disrespectful to their struggle with their tasks in life- if our own anxiety as parents makes us cling to our children. It’s disrespectful is we demand more intimacy than they are willing or able to give. Too much involvement with our children is not an act of love- it’s an act of selfishness.””

Daniel Gottlieb

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Over‑involvement driven by parental anxiety harms children’s autonomy and can become selfish rather than loving.

In simple terms: Too much control is selfish.

Key Takeaway

Foster independence while offering support.

Themes

parenting boundaries selfishness

Mood

thoughtful concerned

Type

psychological advice

When to use this quote

  • family meals
  • school projects
  • therapy sessions
  • co‑parenting discussions

Key Concepts

attachment theory emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you support without smothering?
  • What signs show a child needs space?
A Different Perspective

Parents may fear losing connection.

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