--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When adults misbehave, I reasoned, they…" description: "\"“When adults misbehave, I reasoned, they forfeit the right to tell children what to do.”\" — Shulem Deen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52c/shulem-deen-37355_child_when-adults-misbehave-i-reasoned-they-fo_724927.jpg" --- # When adults misbehave, I reasoned, they forfeit the right… ![“When adults misbehave, I reasoned, they forfeit the right to tell children what to do.” quote by Shulem Deen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52c/shulem-deen-37355_child_when-adults-misbehave-i-reasoned-they-fo_724927.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52c/shulem-deen-37355_child_when-adults-misbehave-i-reasoned-they-fo_724927.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52c/shulem-deen-37355_child_when-adults-misbehave-i-reasoned-they-fo_724927.jpg) > ““When adults misbehave, I reasoned, they forfeit the right to tell children what to do.”” [Shulem Deen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shulem-deen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adults who act poorly lose moral authority to instruct children. **In simple terms:** Bad behavior removes the right to command kids. Key Takeaway Teach by example, not by demand. Themes authority parenting ethics Mood reflective serious Type advice ethical When to use this quote - family discussions - school discipline - community mentoring Key Concepts moral responsibility leadership Questions to Reflect On - How do you model behavior for children? - Can authority be restored after misbehavior? A Different Perspective Children may still be influenced by non‑verbal cues despite the adult's loss of authority. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adults Misbehave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adults-misbehave-5689823/) [Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Forfeit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forfeit/) [Forfeit Right](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forfeit-right-5689826/) [Misbehave Reasoned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/misbehave-reasoned-5689824/) [Reasoned Forfeit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reasoned-forfeit-5689825/) ## Related quotes > [If you support the death penalty, you forfeit all right to refer to yourself as 'Pro-life.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-support-the-death-penalty-you-forfeit-all-right-to-refer-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [ONLY in the release of the seen do you lay hold on the unseen, My little one. 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