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We deprive our children, our charges, of persistence. What…

“We deprive our children, our charges, of persistence. What I am trying to say is that we need to fail, children need to fail, we need to feel sad, anxious and anguished. If we impulsively protect ourselves and our children, as the feel-good movement suggests, we deprive them of…” quote by Martin Seligman
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“We deprive our children, our charges, of persistence. What I am trying to say is that we need to fail, children need to fail, we need to feel sad, anxious and anguished. If we impulsively protect ourselves and our children, as the feel-good movement suggests, we deprive them of learning-persistence skills.”

Martin Seligman

About This Quote

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

Children must experience failure and distress to develop resilience and persistence, rather than being shielded by overprotective attitudes.

In simple terms: Failing teaches kids to keep trying.

Key Takeaway

Allow children to face challenges and learn from setbacks.

Themes

resilience education emotional development

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • school curricula
  • sports coaching
  • mental health programs

Key Concepts

psychology growth mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we create safe spaces for failure?
  • What signs show a child is developing persistence?
A Different Perspective

Overprotection can cause trauma if not balanced with support.

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