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You have a wonderful child. Then, when he's thirteen…

“You have a wonderful child. Then, when he's thirteen, gremlins carry him away and leave in his place a stranger who gives you not a moment's peace.” quote by Jill Eikenberry
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““You have a wonderful child. Then, when he's thirteen, gremlins carry him away and leave in his place a stranger who gives you not a moment's peace.””

Jill Eikenberry

About This Quote

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

A child’s innocence is shattered by trauma, leaving a parent with a stranger child who offers no peace.

In simple terms: Trauma turns a loved one into an unfamiliar, troubling presence.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address trauma early.

Themes

parenthood trauma loss

Mood

sad concerned

Type

reflective cautionary

When to use this quote

  • family counseling
  • support groups
  • parental self‑care

Key Concepts

psychological injury identity disruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does trauma change family dynamics?
  • What signs indicate a child’s emotional distress?
A Different Perspective

Trauma may be invisible and hard to diagnose.

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