Ability to love Quote by Virginia M. Axline
““Sometimes it is very difficult to keep in mind the fact that the parents, too, have reasons for what they do-- have reasons, locked in the depths of their personalities, for their inability to love, to understand, to give of themselves to their children.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Parent Effectiveness Training”, 1964
Parents act from deep personal wounds, affecting their ability to love and understand.
In simple terms: Parents’ personal wounds affect their parenting.
Recognize parental wounds.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- parent‑child interactions
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can children empathize with wounded parents?
- What strategies help parents heal?
Blame may hinder empathy.