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Adage Quote by Mokokoma Mokhonoana

“Many a parent, sad to say, has used their child as an opportunity for them, the parent, to do, through their child, something or some of the things that they, the parent, did not do or did not do successfully.” quote by Mokokoma Mokhonoana
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““Many a parent, sad to say, has used their child as an opportunity for them, the parent, to do, through their child, something or some of the things that they, the parent, did not do or did not do successfully.””

Mokokoma Mokhonoana

About This Quote

Parents may project unmet ambitions onto children, using them as proxies for personal achievement.

In simple terms: Parents use kids to fulfill their own unfulfilled goals.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect a child's autonomy.

Themes

parenting projection ambition

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • parent‑child relationships
  • education
  • personal development

Key Concepts

psychology family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate your goals from your child's?
  • What boundaries protect a child's individuality?
A Different Perspective

Children are not substitutes for adult success.

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