Childhood trauma Quote by Mary Norton
““The child is right," she announced firmly. Arrietty's eyes grew big. "Oh, no-" she began. It shocked her to be right. Parents were right, not children. Children could say anything, Arrietty knew, and enjoy saying it-knowing always they were safe and wrong.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Borrowers by Mary Norton, 1952
A child’s perspective can be confident and correct, while adults may be mistaken; the quote highlights the tension between youthful certainty and adult doubt.
In simple terms: Children can be right even when adults think otherwise.
Listen to children's insights.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parent‑child conversations
- education
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for children’s views with adult guidance?
- When should we trust a child’s judgment?
Children’s certainty may lack experience or broader context.