Children Quote by Tessa Dare
““I would never abandon you. You know that. I will provide for every—” “Providing is not enough. Children shouldn’t be strangers from their fathers. No matter what they are told, or what reasons they are given—they will always fear, deep down, that it’s their fault. I know you wouldn’t want to hurt your child that way.” “Emma . . .” “You had a wonderful, loving father. You lost him to illness far too soon, but you never doubted that he loved you. I spent the entirety of my childhood wondering what I’d done wrong. Asking myself, how had I failed? Why couldn’t I earn his love?” He clutched her tight and murmured soothing words. “And when I couldn’t win my father’s affection, I tried chasing after it elsewhere. From the most inadvisable sources.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Duchess Deal” by Tessa Dare, 2015
A parent’s fear of not being enough can drive children to seek love in unhealthy places, highlighting the deep impact of perceived abandonment.
In simple terms: Children fear they are at fault for a parent’s distance, leading to harmful coping.
Recognize and address emotional wounds early.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapeutic counseling
- parent‑child communication
- support groups
- self‑help literature
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront feelings of unworthiness?
- What steps can rebuild trust after emotional neglect?
Children may internalize blame, which can persist into adulthood without intervention.