Skip to content

She knew better than to waste that time. There isn't…

“She knew better than to waste that time. There isn't always someone who wants you singing to him or nibbling his ear or brushing his cheek with a dandelion blossom. Somebody who knows when you're being silly, and laughs and laughs. So long as he was little enough to carry, she could hardly bring…” quote by Marilynne Robinson
Download Open image
““She knew better than to waste that time. There isn't always someone who wants you singing to him or nibbling his ear or brushing his cheek with a dandelion blossom. Somebody who knows when you're being silly, and laughs and laughs. So long as he was little enough to carry, she could hardly bring herself to put him down.””

Marilynne Robinson

About This Quote

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

A mother protects a child from being reduced to a trivial object, recognizing the child's innocence and the need for gentle, respectful affection.

In simple terms: Protect children’s dignity and innocence.

Key Takeaway

Treat children with respect and tenderness.

Themes

parenthood protection innocence respect affection

Mood

compassionate protective

Type

parental ethical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • mental health counseling

Key Concepts

Child development ethical caregiving human dignity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can adults honor a child's autonomy?
  • What boundaries preserve dignity in caregiving?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring a child's agency can cause lasting harm.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Marilynne Robinson

Explore all 450 Marilynne Robinson quotes

More Motherhood quotes

Browse all 1,555 Motherhood quotes