Admiration Quote by George Will
“Modern parents want to nurture so skillfully that Mother Nature will gasp in admiration at the marvels their parenting produces from the soft clay of children.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Parenting, 2015
It warns that over‑engineered parenting may try to control children too tightly, overlooking their natural development.
In simple terms: Over‑parenting can stifle natural growth.
Key Takeaway
Respect children's innate nature.
Themes
parenting
nature
control
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
essay
commentary
When to use this quote
- education
- family dynamics
- child rearing
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “soft clay” imply about children?
- How can parents nurture without over‑shaping?
A Different Perspective
Excessive control can hinder authentic growth.
![“[17th-century] Puritans were the first modern parents. Like many of us, they looked on their treatment of children as a test of their own self-control. Their goal was not to simply to ensure the child's duty to the family, but to help him or her make personal, individual commitments. They were the…” quote by C. Sommerville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a63/c-sommerville-39957_17th-century_17th-century-puritans-were-the-first-mod_1946579.jpg)
