Difficult task Quote by Angela Duckworth
““In his best-selling 1928 parenting guide, Psychological Care of Infant and Child, Watson holds forth on how to raise a child “who loses himself in work and play, who quickly learns to overcome the small difficulties in his environment . . . and who finally enters manhood so bulwarked with stable work and emotional habits that no adversity can quite overwhelm him.” Here’s Watson’s advice: “Never hug and kiss them. Never let them sit in your lap. If you must, kiss them once on the forehead when they say good night. Shake hands with them in the morning. Give them a pat on the head if they have made an extraordinarily good job of a difficult task.” Watson further recommends letting children cope with problems on their own “almost from the moment of birth,” rotating different caregivers to prevent unhealthy attachment to any one adult, and otherwise avoiding the coddling affection that prevents a child from “conquering the world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Psychological Care of Infant and Child, 1928 by Watson
Advocates minimal physical affection and early independence to foster resilient, self‑reliant children.
In simple terms: Raise children with limited cuddling and early self‑reliance.
Key Takeaway
Encourage independence early.
Themes
parenting
resilience
independence
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
parenting
When to use this quote
- newborn care
- early childhood education
- parent‑child routines
Key Concepts
attachment theory
self‑determination
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How much affection is healthy for development?
- What balance supports both independence and attachment?
A Different Perspective
May hinder emotional bonding and security.
