[Children] use up the same part of my head as poetry does…
“[Children] use up the same part of my head as poetry does. To deal with children is a matter of terrific imaginative identification. And the children have to come first. It's no use putting off their evening meal for two months.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children occupy the mind like poetry, requiring deep imaginative empathy and prioritizing their needs over convenience.
In simple terms: Children demand imaginative identification and should be prioritized.
Place children’s needs first with empathy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family meals
- educational activities
- creative play
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “imaginative identification” mean to you?
- How can you ensure children’s needs are met without neglecting self‑care?
Balancing personal needs with children’s can be challenging.