Assuming Quote by Alfie Kohn
![“Some who support [more] coercive strategies assume that children will run wild if they are not controlled. However, the children for whom this is true typically turn out to be those accustomed to being controlled— those who are not trusted, given explanations, encouraged to think for themselves…” quote by Alfie Kohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8de/alfie-kohn-7728_assuming_some-who-support-more-coercive-strategie_1697882.jpg)
“Some who support [more] coercive strategies assume that children will run wild if they are not controlled. However, the children for whom this is true typically turn out to be those accustomed to being controlled— those who are not trusted, given explanations, encouraged to think for themselves, helped to develop and internalize good values, and so on. Control breeds the need for more control, which is used to justify the use of control.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Punished by Rewards, Alfie Kohn, 1993
Excessive control stifles autonomy, leading children to crave more control, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.
In simple terms: Control limits freedom and creates more need for control.
Key Takeaway
Foster autonomy and trust.
Themes
control
autonomy
trust
education
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- classroom management
- policy design
Key Concepts
dependency
psychological reactance
intrinsic motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives to control can empower children?
- How does trust affect motivation?
A Different Perspective
Some children thrive under structured guidance.
