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Children Quote by Elliot Greene

“This leads to a pattern in which the child cries out and either gets nothing or gets an insufficient or intermittent response. Then the child becomes exhausted and collapses, either from depleted energy or giving up to conserve a sliver of energy (Lowen, 1971). It is often at this…” quote by Elliot Greene
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““This leads to a pattern in which the child cries out and either gets nothing or gets an insufficient or intermittent response. Then the child becomes exhausted and collapses, either from depleted energy or giving up to conserve a sliver of energy (Lowen, 1971). It is often at this point--collapse--that the caregiver eventually takes care of the child. This "teaches" the child that he or she has no effect on the world and that nurturance comes when they are collapsed.””

Elliot Greene

About This Quote

Source Book: Child Development, Lowen 1971

Children who receive inconsistent care learn they have no impact, leading to exhaustion and reliance on collapse for nurturing.

In simple terms: Inconsistent care teaches helplessness.

Key Takeaway

Provide consistent, responsive care.

Themes

parenting psychology attachment

Mood

concerned empathetic

Type

educational psychological

When to use this quote

  • childcare
  • education
  • therapy
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

learned helplessness energy depletion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does consistent responsiveness change a child's outlook?
  • What strategies ensure reliable nurturing?
A Different Perspective

May not account for cultural variations.

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