--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The same goes for new situations. Imagine…" description: "\"“The same goes for new situations. Imagine a child who’s more afraid of the ocean than are other kids the same age. Thoughtful parents recognize that t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bc/susan-cain-647_children_the-same-goes-for-new-situations-imagine_1029934.jpg" --- # The same goes for new situations. Imagine a child who’s… ![“The same goes for new situations. Imagine a child who’s more afraid of the ocean than are other kids the same age. Thoughtful parents recognize that this fear is natural and even wise; the ocean is indeed dangerous. But they don’t allow her to spend the summer on the safety of the dunes, and…” quote by Susan Cain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bc/susan-cain-647_children_the-same-goes-for-new-situations-imagine_1029934.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bc/susan-cain-647_children_the-same-goes-for-new-situations-imagine_1029934.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bc/susan-cain-647_children_the-same-goes-for-new-situations-imagine_1029934.jpg) > ““The same goes for new situations. Imagine a child who’s more afraid of the ocean than are other kids the same age. Thoughtful parents recognize that this fear is natural and even wise; the ocean is indeed dangerous. But they don’t allow her to spend the summer on the safety of the dunes, and neither do they drop her in the water and expect her to swim. Instead they signal that they understand her unease, while urging her to take small steps. Maybe they play in the sand for a few days with the ocean waves crashing at a safe distance. Then one day they approach the water’s edge, perhaps with the child riding on a parent’s shoulders. They wait for calm weather, or low tide, to immerse a toe, then a foot, then a knee. They don’t rush; every small step is a giant stride in a child’s world. When ultimately she learns to swim like a fish, she has reached a crucial turning point in her relationship not only with water but also with fear.”” [Susan Cain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-cain/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cain illustrates gentle guidance, encouraging incremental exposure to feared situations to build confidence and mastery. **In simple terms:** Gradual exposure builds confidence. Key Takeaway Guide fear with small, supportive steps. Themes growth fear confidence parenting learning personal development Mood encouraging empathetic reflective Type motivational practical When to use this quote - parenting - education - therapy - coaching - self‑help programs Key Concepts incremental exposure supportive guidance resilience Questions to Reflect On - What small steps can you take to face a personal fear? - How does supportive guidance differ from avoidance? A Different Perspective Progress can be slow, and over‑protectiveness may hinder independence. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Ocean Waves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ocean-waves/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Small steps](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-steps/) [Turning point](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/turning-point/) ## Related quotes > [New Orleans has to learn to live with water rather than in fear of water, and we need a master plan that shows us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-tauzin/new-orleans-has-to-learn-to-live-with-water-rather-than-in-fear-of/) [Billy Tauzin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-tauzin/) > [“She felt frozen all over again but in a different way. It wasn't icy water. 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But they don’t allow her to spend the summer on the safety of the dunes, and neither do they drop her in the water and expect her to swim. Instead they signal that they understand her unease, while urging her to take small steps. Maybe they play in the sand for a few days with the ocean waves crashing at a safe distance. Then one day they approach the water’s edge, perhaps with the child riding on a parent’s shoulders. They wait for calm weather, or low tide, to immerse a toe, then a foot, then a knee. They don’t rush; every small step is a giant stride in a child’s world. 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