"In the event of an oxygen shortage on airplanes, mothers of young children are always reminded to put on their own oxygen mask first, to better assist the children with theirs. The same tactic is necessary on terra firma. There's no way of sustaining our children if we don't first rescue ourselves. I don't call that selfish behavior. I call it love."

5 likes

Source: Coming of Age with Judy Blume. www.nytimes.com. December 3, 1978.

About the author

Joyce Maynard

Author, Journalist

Joyce Maynard is an American author known for her candid memoirs and novels that explore themes of love, truth, and personal experience.

All quotes by Joyce Maynard →

Same author

More quotes by Joyce Maynard

See all →
Joyce Maynard Author, Journalist

"It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself."

Read quote
Joyce Maynard Author, Journalist

"At Home in the World is the story of a young woman, raised in some difficult circumstances, and how she survives. It tells a story of redemption, not victimhood."

Read quote