Maggie Smith
The Quote in Other Words
When it comes to raising well-behaved children, there are no strict guidelines, but there are two commonly accepted beliefs among parents: Boys tend to be more unruly than girls, and teenagers are more unruly than children of any other age group. If you happen to have a teenage son, you’re in the prime age range for potential difficulties.
Explanation of the Quote
The quote highlights the challenges of raising civilized kids and the general agreement among parents that boys are wilder than girls, and adolescents are wilder than kids of any other age. This means that parents with adolescent boys are in the sweet spot for trouble. However, there are no hard rules when it comes to raising civilized kids, and parents must find creative solutions to navigate this challenging phase.
One way to raise civilized kids is to establish clear boundaries and expectations. Adolescents need structure and guidance to help them navigate the challenges of growing up. Parents can set rules around behavior, curfews, and responsibilities to help their adolescent boys develop self-discipline and respect for authority.
Another important aspect of raising civilized kids is to foster open communication and trust. Adolescents need to feel heard and understood, and parents can create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. By building a strong relationship with their adolescent boys, parents can help them develop empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, which are essential qualities for becoming civilized adults.