--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In short, we live with an overriding…" description: "\"“In short, we live with an overriding sense that we have ultimate control over who our kids become when they are adults. We therefore believe that ever..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/meg-meeker-24664_character-developmen_in-short-we-live-with-an-overriding-sens_2493200.jpg" --- # In short, we live with an overriding sense that we have… ![“In short, we live with an overriding sense that we have ultimate control over who our kids become when they are adults. We therefore believe that every decision we make can potentially alter the outcome of their lives. And this is an enormous burden to carry. I want to be clear here. Parents are…” quote by Meg Meeker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/meg-meeker-24664_character-developmen_in-short-we-live-with-an-overriding-sens_2493200.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/meg-meeker-24664_character-developmen_in-short-we-live-with-an-overriding-sens_2493200.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/meg-meeker-24664_character-developmen_in-short-we-live-with-an-overriding-sens_2493200.jpg) > ““In short, we live with an overriding sense that we have ultimate control over who our kids become when they are adults. We therefore believe that every decision we make can potentially alter the outcome of their lives. And this is an enormous burden to carry. I want to be clear here. Parents are the primary influence in a child’s life concerning character development, but the truth is, even our influence is very limited.”” [Meg Meeker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/meg-meeker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Parents often feel they can shape their children’s futures, but real influence is limited and the responsibility can feel overwhelming. **In simple terms:** Parents think they control kids' futures, but influence is limited. Key Takeaway Recognize limits, focus on love and guidance. Themes parenting responsibility influence Mood reflective empathetic Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - family decisions - education - career guidance - emotional support Key Concepts child development agency burden Questions to Reflect On - How can parents balance guidance with respecting autonomy? - What expectations are realistic for parental influence? A Different Perspective Children are shaped by many factors beyond parental control. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character development](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character-development/) [Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Child Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child-life/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Control Kids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/control-kids-557014/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Influence Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence-child-278122/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Parents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parents/) ## Related quotes > [Some children naturally have more cognitive control than others, and in all kids this essential skill is being compromised by the usual suspects: smartphones,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-goleman/some-children-naturally-have-more-cognitive-control-than-others-and/) [Daniel Goleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-goleman/) > [“They're just friends." 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