Child Quote by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
““It almost seems un-American, at times, to have kids who are slow to warm up. Other people tell us to push them—to force them to jump in—and they reprimand us for babying them. When your child adapts slowly, remind yourself that you will appreciate it when he is an adolescent. While all the other kids are running off on some ridiculous impulsive venture, yours will be thinking, moving slowly and cautiously. There are strengths to every temperamental characteristic.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Parenting the Sensitive Child, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, 2009
Children who adapt slowly may be undervalued, yet their cautious nature can become a strength later in life.
In simple terms: Slowly adapting kids have hidden strengths.
Key Takeaway
Value and nurture cautious temperaments.
Themes
parenting
temperament
development
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
advisory
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school settings
- family dynamics
- adolescent counseling
- peer interactions
Key Concepts
psychology
child development
strengths-based approach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support a slow‑to‑warm‑up child in social settings?
- What strengths do you see emerging as they mature?
A Different Perspective
Caution can be misinterpreted as weakness, leading to missed opportunities for growth.
