Adult Quote by Naomi Shihab Nye
“I keep thinking, we teach children to use language to solve their disputes. We teach them not to hit and fight and bite. Then look what adults do!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Language of Children, Naomi Shihab Nye, 1990
Children are taught to resolve conflicts with words, yet adults often resort to violence, highlighting a societal inconsistency.
In simple terms: Kids learn peace, adults act violently.
Key Takeaway
Model non‑violent conflict resolution.
Themes
conflict resolution
education
role modeling
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
ethical
educational
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- school curricula
- community mediation
- parenting workshops
Key Concepts
peaceful communication
social learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we bridge the gap between taught values and adult behavior?
- What systems reinforce adult aggression?
A Different Perspective
Adults may lack the patience to apply taught principles.
![“[Children] use up the same part of my head as poetry does. To deal with children is a matter of terrific imaginative identification. And the children have to come first. It's no use putting off their evening meal for two months.” quote by Libby Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aad/libby-houston-83975_children_children-use-up-the-same-part-of-my-head_524691.jpg)
