Children Quote by Mignon McLaughlin
“No matter how many Christmas presents you give your child, there's always that terrible moment when he's opened the very last one. That's when he expects you to say, 'Oh yes, I almost forgot,' and take him out and show him the pony.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Parenting, 1978
Parents often feel pressure to fulfill a child’s expectations at the end of a celebration.
In simple terms: Parents feel forced to meet last‑minute expectations.
Key Takeaway
Set realistic expectations and enjoy moments.
Themes
parenting
expectations
holiday stress
communication
Mood
lighthearted
empathetic
Type
advice
humorous
When to use this quote
- holiday gatherings
- gift giving
- parent‑child interactions
Key Concepts
family dynamics
social pressure
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you politely decline the “pony” request?
- What boundaries help keep celebrations joyful?
A Different Perspective
Pressure can create awkwardness and resentment.
![“[T]hese last few days where I've moped around damn near depressed for real, because of people who do not exist. Not really. I can buy them Christmas presents, but there is no way to send them. Sometimes I feel like I should be able to walk into the next room and there they will be, but they won't…” quote by Laurell K. Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c19/laurell-k-hamilton-199_able_t-hese-last-few-days-where-i-ve-moped-ar_73321.jpg)
