Children Quote by John Irving
“The arrangements that couples make in order to maintain civility in the midst of their journey to divorce are often most elaborate when the professed top priority is to protect a child.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Cider House Rules by John Irving, 1985
People often create complex arrangements to keep peace during divorce, especially when a child’s welfare is the stated priority.
In simple terms: Divorce arrangements become elaborate to protect children.
Prioritize honest communication over elaborate schemes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- custody negotiations
- co‑parenting discussions
- mediated settlements
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents balance child protection with personal honesty?
- What alternatives exist to overly elaborate agreements?
Complex arrangements can mask underlying tensions and hinder genuine resolution.