Children Quote by Syndney J Harris
“Parents want two opposite things at once: they want their children to excel, and they want their children to be docile. But the two don't go together and never have.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Parenting Paradoxes, 2019
Parents demand both high achievement and compliance, which are inherently contradictory.
In simple terms: Excellence and docility clash.
Key Takeaway
Balance expectations with freedom.
Themes
parenting
expectations
control
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
sociological
reflective
When to use this quote
- educational settings
- family discussions
- coaching youth
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
socialization
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents foster ambition without suppressing individuality?
- What strategies encourage healthy independence?
A Different Perspective
Some cultures value obedience alongside achievement.
