Polly Berrien Berends

Famous quotes containing the words polly berrien berends, berrien berends, polly berrien, berrien and/or berends:

    As parents it is well to be aware of the tendency to equate energetic activity with contest. Our children’s worth does not depend on their ability to trounce one another. And surely we can find ways of frolicking and being healthy and active together in some joyful, free way that is not an adversary relationship.
    Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)

    Especially with our first child, we tend to take too much responsibility—both credit and blame—for everything. The more we want to be good parents, the more we tend to see ourselves as making or breaking our children.
    —Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)

    If we view our children as stupid, naughty, disturbed, or guilty of their misdeeds, they will learn to behold themselves as foolish, faulty, or shameful specimens of humanity. They will regard us as judges from whom they wish to hide, and they will interpret everything we say as further proof of their unworthiness. If we view them as innocent, or at least merely ignorant, they will gain understanding from their experiences, and they will continue to regard us as wise partners.
    Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)

    The gain is not the having of children; it is the discovery of love and how to be loving.
    —Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)

    My list of things I never pictured myself saying when I pictured myself as a parent has grown over the years.
    —Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)