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The parent who loves his child dearly but asks for nothing…

“The parent who loves his child dearly but asks for nothing in return might qualify as a saint, but he will not qualify as a parent. For a child who can claim love without meeting any of the obligations of love will be a self-centered child and many such children have grown up in our time to become…” quote by Selma Fraiberg
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“The parent who loves his child dearly but asks for nothing in return might qualify as a saint, but he will not qualify as a parent. For a child who can claim love without meeting any of the obligations of love will be a self-centered child and many such children have grown up in our time to become petulant lovers and sullen marriage partners because the promise of unconditional love has not been fulfilled.”

Selma Fraiberg

About This Quote

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

A parent who gives love without expectations may be saintly, but without reciprocal responsibility, the child becomes self‑centered, leading to unhealthy relationships.

In simple terms: Unconditional love without responsibility creates selfish children.

Key Takeaway

Teach love with mutual responsibility.

Themes

parenting love responsibility relationships

Mood

thoughtful concerned

Type

theoretical psychological

When to use this quote

  • parent‑child bonding
  • marriage counseling
  • family therapy
  • educational workshops

Key Concepts

attachment theory reciprocity emotional development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities should accompany love?
  • How can parents model balanced giving and receiving?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing unconditional love can ignore necessary boundaries.

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