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Children Quote by Helen Simonson

“It was frustratingly common that children were no sooner gone from the nest and established in their own homes, in Roger’s case a gleaming black-and-brass-decorated penthouse in a high-rise that blighted the Thames near Putney, than they began to infantilize their own parents and wish them dead…” quote by Helen Simonson
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““It was frustratingly common that children were no sooner gone from the nest and established in their own homes, in Roger’s case a gleaming black-and-brass-decorated penthouse in a high-rise that blighted the Thames near Putney, than they began to infantilize their own parents and wish them dead, or at least in assisted living.””

Helen Simonson

About This Quote

The passage describes how adult children, after establishing independent lives, often begin to treat their aging parents as dependent, sometimes wishing for their removal or institutional care.

In simple terms: Adult children may infantilize aging parents.

Key Takeaway

Treat elders with respect.

Themes

family aging dependency

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

sociological reflective

When to use this quote

  • caregiving
  • family planning
  • social services
  • housing decisions

Key Concepts

intergenerational dynamics elder care psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can families maintain mutual respect?
  • What support helps avoid resentment?
A Different Perspective

Societal pressures can strain parent‑child relationships.

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