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The job of parents is to model. Modeling includes how to…

“The job of parents is to model. Modeling includes how to be a man or woman; how to relate intimately to another person; how to acknowledge and express emotions; how to fight fairly; how to have physical, emotional and intellectual boundaries; how to communicate; how to cope and survive life’s…” quote by John Bradshaw
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““The job of parents is to model. Modeling includes how to be a man or woman; how to relate intimately to another person; how to acknowledge and express emotions; how to fight fairly; how to have physical, emotional and intellectual boundaries; how to communicate; how to cope and survive life’s unending problems; how to be self-disciplined; and how to love oneself and another. Shame-based parents cannot do any of these. They simply don’t know how.””

John Bradshaw

About This Quote

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

Parents must model healthy emotional and relational behaviors; shame‑based parenting fails to teach these skills.

In simple terms: Parents should model healthy behavior.

Key Takeaway

Model emotional intelligence for children.

Themes

parenting emotional intelligence shame boundaries

Mood

educational reflective

Type

psychological practical

When to use this quote

  • parenting workshops
  • family therapy
  • self‑compassion exercises
  • communication training

Key Concepts

developmental psychology family systems

Questions to Reflect On

  • What behaviors did you model as a child?
  • How can you replace shame with self‑acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑seated shame patterns is challenging.

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