Bases Quote by Richard Ford
“They may already know too much about their mother and father--nothing being more factual than divorce, where so much has to be explained and worked through intelligently (though they have tried to stay equable). I've noticed this is often the time when children begin calling their parents by their first names, becoming little ironists after their parents' faults. What could be lonelier for a parent than to be criticized by his child on a first-name basis?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sportswriter, Richard Ford, 1986
Children often distance themselves from parents after divorce, using first names and sarcasm as a coping mechanism.
In simple terms: Kids may call parents by first names after divorce, showing distance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address emotional distance early.
Themes
family dynamics
divorce
communication
identity
parent‑child relationships
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- family therapy
- parental guidance
- school support programs
Key Concepts
psychology
social coping
developmental stages
Questions to Reflect On
- How does naming affect relational power?
- What can parents do to maintain respect?
A Different Perspective
Children may also feel resentment, not just distance.
