“The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother and become fully independent”
— Erich Fromm
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Simplified Meaning:
A mother loves her child deeply and does everything to care for them. Despite this strong love, she must also let her child become independent and make their own decisions. Imagine a mother bird: she feeds and protects her chicks, but eventually, she must let them leave the nest to learn to fly on their own. This can be hard and even sad for the mother, but it's necessary for the chicks to grow strong and live their own lives. Similarly, human mothers support their children, knowing that one day the children will need to manage without them. This mix of love and letting go creates a bittersweet feeling because to truly love their children, mothers must also encourage them to stand on their own two feet.
Related tags
Child development Emotional bonds Family Growth Independence Love Motherhood Nurturing Paradox Parenting
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