Haim Ginott Quotes

#1. To be himself, one neeeds to be free from the pressure of evaluative praise

Haim Ginott

#2. To sense when a teenager needs understanding and when misunderstanding is a difficult and delicate task. The sad truth is that no matter how wise we are, we cannot be right for any length of time in our teenagers' eyes.

Haim Ginott

#3. Adolescence can be a time of turmoil and turbulence, of stress and storm. Rebellion against authority and against convention is to be expected and tolerated for the sake of learning and growth.

Haim Ginott

#4. Treat a child as though he already is the person he's capable of becoming.

Haim Ginott

#5. Many teenagers are tormented by terrors they deem private and personal. They do not know that their anxieties and doubts are universal.

Haim Ginott

#6. Responsibility is fostered by allowing children a voice and wherever indicated a choice in matters that affect them.

Haim Ginott

#7. When gentle persuasion [of children] falls on deaf ears, we resort to ridicule and rebuke. Then we return to threats and punishment. This is the modus operandi of a mutual frustration society.

Haim Ginott

#8. Wise parents know that fighting a teenager, like fighting a riptide, is inviting doom.

Haim Ginott

#9. Teenagers crave independence. The more self-suf-ficient we make them feel, the less hostile they are toward us.

Haim Ginott

#10. Each of us carries within himself a collection of instant insults.

Haim Ginott

#11. Only if a child feels right can he think right.

Haim Ginott

#12. Parents often talk about the younger generation as if they didn't have anything to do with it.

Haim Ginott

#13. A modern teacher educates children to value their emotions.

Haim Ginott

#14. The search for a personal identity is the life task of a teenager.

Haim Ginott

#15. Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.

Haim Ginott