Advice Quote by Stevie Smith
““Children who paddle where the ocean bed shelves steeply Must take great care they do not, Paddle too deeply.' Thus spake the awful aging couple Whose heart the years had turned to rubble. But the little children, to save any bother, Let it in at one ear and out at the other.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Children” by Stevie Smith, 1965
The quote warns that children, like anyone, must be cautious about absorbing harmful ideas without critical reflection, lest they be damaged.
In simple terms: Children must filter what they hear and not accept everything blindly.
Key Takeaway
Teach critical listening and discernment.
Themes
education
critical thinking
parenting
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
advice
cautionary
When to use this quote
- school
- family discussions
- media consumption
- childhood education
Key Concepts
media influence
psychology
development
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you teach children to evaluate information?
- What habits protect against uncritical acceptance?
A Different Perspective
Children may still be vulnerable to subtle influences despite warnings.
