---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Parents should have perfect control over…"
description: "\"Parents should have perfect control over their own spirits, and with mildness and yet firmness bend the will of the child until it shall expect nothing..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a6/ellen-g-white-1229_bend_parents-should-have-perfect-control-over_11731.jpg"
---

#  Parents should have perfect control over their own…

![“Parents should have perfect control over their own spirits, and with mildness and yet firmness bend the will of the child until it shall expect nothing else but to yield to their wishes.” quote by Ellen G. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a6/ellen-g-white-1229_bend_parents-should-have-perfect-control-over_11731.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a6/ellen-g-white-1229_bend_parents-should-have-perfect-control-over_11731.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a6/ellen-g-white-1229_bend_parents-should-have-perfect-control-over_11731.jpg)

> “Parents should have perfect control over their own spirits, and with mildness and yet firmness bend the will of the child until it shall expect nothing else but to yield to their wishes.”

[Ellen G. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-g-white/)

## About This Quote

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

Advocates parental authority that balances gentle guidance with firm direction to shape a child's obedience.

**In simple terms:** Parental authority tempered with kindness.

Key Takeaway

Control must be compassionate.

Themes

authority parenting obedience discipline moral guidance

Mood

reflective serious didactic

Type

advice philosophical moral

When to use this quote

- raising children
- family decision-making
- teaching responsibility

Key Concepts

willpower child development family dynamics

Practical Applications

- parenting workshops
- family counseling

Questions to Reflect On

- How does firmness affect a child's autonomy?
- Can kindness replace strict control?

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