--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many “older” children go through life…" description: "\"“Many “older” children go through life either secretly or openly hating their parents. They blame them for past abuses, neglect, or favoritism and they..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38c/stephen-r-covey-1501_adult-life_many-older-children-go-through-life-eith_1074035.jpg" --- # Many “older” children go through life either secretly or… ![“Many “older” children go through life either secretly or openly hating their parents. They blame them for past abuses, neglect, or favoritism and they center their adult life on that hatred, living out the reactive, justifying script that accompanies it.” quote by Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38c/stephen-r-covey-1501_adult-life_many-older-children-go-through-life-eith_1074035.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38c/stephen-r-covey-1501_adult-life_many-older-children-go-through-life-eith_1074035.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38c/stephen-r-covey-1501_adult-life_many-older-children-go-through-life-eith_1074035.jpg) > ““Many “older” children go through life either secretly or openly hating their parents. They blame them for past abuses, neglect, or favoritism and they center their adult life on that hatred, living out the reactive, justifying script that accompanies it.”” [Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adults may fixate on past parental hurts, letting resentment shape their lives and actions. **In simple terms:** Holding grudges can dominate adult behavior. Key Takeaway Recognize and release parental resentment. Themes family dynamics resentment personal growth Mood reflective somber Type advice psychological When to use this quote - counseling sessions - family reunions - personal therapy - self‑reflection exercises Key Concepts psychology attachment theory generational trauma Questions to Reflect On - How does lingering parental resentment affect your relationships? - What steps can you take to heal past wounds? A Different Perspective Emotions tied to childhood can be deep‑rooted and resistant to change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adult life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adult-life/) [Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) ## Related quotes > [One of the saddest things in this world is to see a child grow up hating one of their parents because they only got…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-rowe/one-of-the-saddest-things-in-this-world-is-to-see-a-child-grow-up/) [Debbie Rowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-rowe/) > [Teens stop hating your parents. One day you'll be one of them. 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