Children Quote by Gary A. Haugen
““Jesus asks parents to make yet another choice. Are we raising our children to be safe or to be brave? Are we raising our children to be smart or to be loving? Are we raising them to be successful or significant? How does God raise his children? In his book The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis made an observation that is worth lingering over. “Love,” Lewis wrote, “is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness. . . . Kindness merely as such cares not whether its object becomes good or bad, provided only that it escapes suffering.” My vulnerabilities as a parent are such that sometimes I simply want my kids to escape suffering. But if I keep them completely safe, they will never have a chance to be truly good or brave. Is that what I want?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis, 1940
Parents must balance protecting children from suffering with allowing them to develop bravery, love, and significance.
In simple terms: Protecting kids too much can prevent growth.
Key Takeaway
Allow safe risks for growth.
Themes
parenting
risk
growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- child development
- education
- family decisions
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How much risk is healthy for a child?
- What does “significant” mean in parenting?
A Different Perspective
Overprotecting can stunt moral and emotional development.
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