Children Quote by Alice McDermott
““His love for his children bore down on his heart with the weight of three heavy stones. There were all his unnamed fears for them, and hopes for them. There was all he was powerless to change, including who they were--one too mild, one too easily tempted to be cruel, and the little girl (it was the weight of a heavy stone against his heart) a mystery to him, impossible to say what she, through her life, would need. And soon, one more.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Lost Daughter, Alice McDermott, 2008
A parent feels the crushing responsibility and fear for each child’s unknown future, weighing heavily on the heart.
In simple terms: Parental love feels like a heavy burden of fear and hope.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address the weight of parental anxieties.
Themes
parenthood
responsibility
fear
hope
uncertainty
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
emotional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- making decisions about children’s futures
- coping with unknown outcomes
- supporting siblings
Key Concepts
emotional burden
protective instinct
acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance caring for children with respecting their autonomy?
- What fears can you release to lighten your emotional load?
A Different Perspective
The weight may be overwhelming, leading to paralysis or over‑control.
