--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Children have never been very good at…" description: "\"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.\" — Anonymous" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffc/anonymous-1_child_children-have-never-been-very-good-at-li_430902.jpg" --- # Children have never been very good at listening to their… ![“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffc/anonymous-1_child_children-have-never-been-very-good-at-li_430902.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffc/anonymous-1_child_children-have-never-been-very-good-at-li_430902.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffc/anonymous-1_child_children-have-never-been-very-good-at-li_430902.jpg) > “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Children tend to copy adult behavior more reliably than they heed advice, highlighting the power of modeling over instruction. **In simple terms:** Kids imitate adults more than they listen. Key Takeaway Model desired behavior. Themes parenting learning influence Mood reflective concerned Type advice observational When to use this quote - family life - education - workplace mentorship Key Concepts social learning behavioral modeling Questions to Reflect On - How can adults ensure they model positive actions? - What are effective ways to combine modeling with guidance? A Different Perspective Modeling alone may not correct harmful habits. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Elders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elders/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) ## Related quotes > [“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” —James Baldwin”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendy-jo-peterson/children-have-never-been-very-good-at-listening-to-their-elders-but-3/) Wendy Jo Peterson > [“Our elders have failed us, they have not provided leadership, they have not provided counsel, they have been silent and compliant in the face…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-grey/our-elders-have-failed-us-they-have-not-provided-leadership-they-have/) [Peter Grey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-grey/) > [“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” This is one of Dave…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-duckworth/children-have-never-been-very-good-at-listening-to-their-elders-but-2/) [Angela Duckworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-duckworth/) > [A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-children-s-story-that-can-only-be-enjoyed-by-children-is-not-a-good-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A father is a man who expects his children to be as good as he meant to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-father-is-a-man-who-expects-his-children-to-be-as-good-as-he-meant/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A good woman should know how to bring up the children, as a good mother always proves a good wife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-good-woman-should-know-how-to-bring-up-the-children-as-a-good/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I was always taught to respect my elders and I've now reached the age when I don't have anybody to respect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-was-always-taught-to-respect-my-elders-and-i-ve-now-reached-the-age/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [And Gandalf said: "This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. 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