Children Quote by J.M. Barrie
““It is the custom of every good mother after her children are asleep to rummage in their minds and put things straight for next morning, repacking into their proper places the many articles that have wandered during the day. If you could keep awake (but of course you can’t) you would see your own mother doing this, and you would find it very interesting to watch her. It is quite like tidying up drawers. You would see her on her knees, I expect, lingering humorously over some of your contents, wondering where on earth you had picked this thing up, making discoveries sweet and not so sweet, pressing this to her cheek as if it were as nice as a kitten, and hurriedly stowing that out of sight. When you wake in the morning, the naughtinesses and evil passions with which you went to bed have been folded up small and placed at the bottom of your mind; and on the top, beautifully aired, are spread out prettier thoughts, ready for you to put on.””
About This Quote
Source Play: "Peter Pan", 1904, Act II, dialogue
A mother mentally reorganizes a child's thoughts each night, like tidying a drawer.
In simple terms: Mothers sort and soothe a child's mind while they sleep.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the quiet work of emotional caretaking.
Themes
family
caregiving
psychology
Mood
gentle
introspective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting moments
- nighttime routines
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
memory
emotional processing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice your own mental “tidying” habits?
- What role do caregivers play in emotional regulation?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may simplify complex mental health processes.
