Mother Quote by Kate Douglas Wiggin
““Oh, Kathleen!" sighed Nancy as the two went into the kitchen together. "Isn't mother the most interesting 'scolder' you ever listened to? I love to hear her do it, especially when somebody else is getting it. When it's I, I grow smaller and smaller, curling myself up like a little worm. Then when she has finished I squirm to the door and wriggle out. Other mothers say: 'If you don't, I shall tell your father!' 'Do as I tell you, and ask no questions.' 'I never heard of such behavior in my life!' 'Haven't you any sense of propriety?' 'If this happens again I shall have to do something desperate.' 'Leave the room at once,' and so on; but mother sets you to thinking." "Mother doesn't really scold," Kathleen objected. "No, but she shows you how wrong you are, just the same...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" by Kate Douglas Wiggin, 1903
Children experience mixed feelings of intimidation and fascination when mothers discipline, learning boundaries through indirect correction.
In simple terms: Mothers' scolding teaches lessons indirectly.
Key Takeaway
Observe how discipline shapes behavior and self‑esteem.
Themes
family
discipline
learning
growth
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- parent‑child interactions
- school settings
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
child development
parenting
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do children interpret indirect correction?
- When does discipline become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Discipline may cause anxiety or resentment if not balanced with empathy.
![“[Julia Carey] had never, even when very young, experienced a desire to sit at the feet of superior wisdom, always greatly preferring a chair of her own. She seldom did wrong, in her own opinion, because the moment she entertained an idea it at once became right, her vanity serving as a pair of…” quote by Kate Douglas Wiggin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e91/kate-douglas-wiggin-17367_wisdom_julia-carey-had-never-even-when-very-you_577519.jpg)
