Virginia Satir quotes

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

— Virginia Satir

“Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.”

— Virginia Satir

“We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us.”

— Virginia Satir

“Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.”

— Virginia Satir

“Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.”

— Virginia Satir

“Every word, facial expression, gesture, or action on the part of a parent gives the child some message about self-worth. It is sad that so many parents don't realize what messages they are sending.”

— Virginia Satir

“What lingers from the parent's individual past, unresolved or incomplete, often becomes part of her or his irrational parenting.”

— Virginia Satir

“Adolescents are not monsters. They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.”

— Virginia Satir

“We can learn something new anytime we believe we can.”

— Virginia Satir

“So much is asked of parents, and so little is given.”

— Virginia Satir