This pride need not come from kids’ accomplishments either. It can stem—and often does—from their simple transformation into moral, compassionate creatures. All children start their lives as tiny narcissists. Yet somewhere along the line, almost without your noticing, they begin to appreciate suffering and want very much to assuage it. They bring you soup when you get sick. They tell you about keeping their mouths shut at lunch, because their friends were discussing a birthday party and not everyone present was invited. And you realize that all the love you showed along the way, all the
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