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If I had to make a general rule for living and working…

“If I had to make a general rule for living and working with children, it might be this: be wary of saying or doing anything to a child that you would not do to another adult, whose good opinion and affection you valued.” quote by John Holt
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“If I had to make a general rule for living and working with children, it might be this: be wary of saying or doing anything to a child that you would not do to another adult, whose good opinion and affection you valued.”

John Holt

About This Quote

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

Treat children as adults in respect and affection, avoiding double standards that harm relationships.

In simple terms: Respect children like adults.

Key Takeaway

Show consistent respect to kids.

Themes

respect parenting relationships

Mood

caring ethical

Type

advice

When to use this quote

  • parent‑child interactions
  • teaching
  • discipline

Key Concepts

double standards affection ethical behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance authority with respect?
  • What boundaries differ for children vs adults?
A Different Perspective

Adults may not always be appropriate models.

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