Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
One thing I know for sure about raising children is that every single day a kid needs discipline.... But also every single day a kid needs a break.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Children require both guidance and moments of freedom to thrive.
This quote highlights the delicate balance in parenting between providing discipline and allowing for relaxation. It emphasizes that while children need structure and rules to develop their behavior, they also require the opportunity to enjoy life and be free of pressure, suggesting that nurturing involves understanding both aspects.
Themes
DisciplineChildrenParentingBalanceFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
A parent might share this quote during a parenting workshop to discuss the importance of balance.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes βOr you might shout at the top of your lungs or whisper into your sleeve, "I hate you, God." That is a prayer too, because it is real, it is truth, and maybe it is the first sincere thought you've had in months.
Anne LamottRead
Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
Anne LamottRead
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
Anne LamottRead
Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, "Well, that's pretty much what I thought I'd see," you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. [...] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.
Anne LamottRead
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Anne LamottRead
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Someone told me that having a baby is like having your heart walking around outside of your body, and I didn't understand it until I had a baby. Now, like, everything he does literally crushes my heart. In a great way. And then if he's in pain, it's like my whole endeavor is to make sure he's not in pain.
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You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, & training them up in Godβs fear, & minding the house, & making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts.
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I want to give a child a life who wouldn't be given a life. I want a child that nobody else wants.
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