Skip to content

What's wrong with our children? Adults telling children to…

“What's wrong with our children? Adults telling children to be honest while lying and cheating. Adults telling children to not be violent while marketing and glorifying violence... I believe that adult hypocrisy is the biggest problem children face in America.” quote by Marian Wright Edelman
Download Open image
“What's wrong with our children? Adults telling children to be honest while lying and cheating. Adults telling children to not be violent while marketing and glorifying violence... I believe that adult hypocrisy is the biggest problem children face in America.”

Marian Wright Edelman

About This Quote

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

Adults often model contradictory behavior, teaching children that hypocrisy is acceptable, which erodes trust and moral development.

In simple terms: Kids learn from what adults do, not just what they say.

Key Takeaway

Model integrity consistently for children.

Themes

hypocrisy parenting trust morality

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • family meals
  • school curricula
  • media consumption
  • community programs

Key Concepts

social learning theory cognitive dissonance moral development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can adults align actions with words?
  • What systems can reinforce honest behavior in youth?
A Different Perspective

Children may still internalize negative examples despite adult intentions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Marian Wright Edelman

Explore all 179 Marian Wright Edelman quotes

More Adults quotes

Browse all 3,113 Adults quotes