I had a lovely, feral, free childhood - out and then come back when you're hungry or it gets too dark. I feel slightly cruel that I'm not offering my children the same.
Interpretation
The quote reflects nostalgia for a carefree childhood and expresses concern about raising children more sheltered than oneself.
Olivia Colman reminisces about her own childhood, which was filled with freedom and exploration, allowing her to roam freely until she felt hungry or it became dark. She expresses a sense of guilt for not being able to provide her own children with the same level of unrestrained freedom, highlighting the contrast between childhood experiences and modern parenting responsibilities.
In practice
A parent might use this quote to reflect on their own upbringing during a family gathering.
If the script's good, everything you need is in there. I just try and feel it, and do it honestly. I also don't learn things for auditions, because I feel like it's just a test of memorizing rather than being real. Maybe every other actor would think that was terrible, I don't know. But it seems to have worked for me, so far.
When you've got children, it's easy to do that thing of keeping a tally of who woke up earliest and whose turn it is to put them to bed. But I think the important thing is to appreciate and love each other and to show that appreciation.
My mum was a nurse, and her passion was geriatric care. I used to love listening to the old people's stories in her nursing home and picturing myself in their place. They'd say, 'I went to school in a horse and cart,' and I'd just think 'Wow!' I'd picture myself in their place - acting was a natural progression.
Having my son has changed so much of what I dream about. It used to be about business, business, what's the next deal? What's the next movie? Now it's about him.
The fundamental defect of fathers, in our competitive society, is that they want their children to be a credit to them.
My mother has made choices in her life, as we all must, and she is at peace with them. I can see her peace. She did not cop out on herself. The benefits of her choices are massive-a long, stable marriage to a man she still calls her best friend; a family that has extended now into grandchildren who adore her; a certainty in her own strength. Maybe some things were sacrificed, and my dad made his sacrifices, too-but who amongst us lives without sacrifice?
My mother seemed to undermine so much of what I did, subtly belittling my choices and my activities in light of her greater, more important ones.
I know of no realm of life that can provide more companionship in a lonely world or greater feelings of security and purpose in chaotic times than the close ties of a family.
Your children will see what you're all about by what you live rather than what you say.
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