“A mother’s words can build a child—or break one.”
Recently, while reading a Chinese book on child education, I came across a story that deeply touched my heart. It perfectly illustrates how a mother’s attitude and behavior can influence a child’s entire life. I’d love to share this story with all mothers, as a gentle reminder of the quiet power we hold in shaping our children’s hearts and minds.
🍏 Two Letters, Two Lives
A famous American psychologist once conducted a fascinating study on the lifelong effects of early education. He selected 50 successful people from various fields—leaders, professionals, innovators—and 50 people with criminal records. He wrote to each of them, asking the same question:
“What influence did your mother have on you?”
Two of the replies left a lasting impression on him.
One came from a prominent White House official, the other from a prison inmate.
Surprisingly, both men spoke about the same childhood memory—their mother dividing apples.
🍎 The Prisoner’s Story: The Day He Learned to Lie
The prisoner wrote:
“When I was a child, my mother once brought home several apples—red, green, big, and small.
I immediately wanted the biggest, reddest one. Before I could speak, my little brother shouted, ‘I want the big one!’
My mother frowned and scolded him: ‘A good boy should learn to give the best to others.’
I quickly changed my words and said, ‘Mom, I’ll take the smallest one. Let my brother have the big one.’
My mother smiled proudly, kissed me on the cheek, and rewarded me with the biggest, reddest apple.”
He ended his letter with heartbreakingly honest words:
“That day, I learned that lying could bring rewards.
Later, I learned to cheat, to steal, to fight—anything to get what I wanted.
Today, I am in prison because of the lesson I learned that day.”
🍏 The White House Official’s Story: The Value of Effort
The second letter came from a White House official:
“When I was young, my mother brought home several apples, all different sizes. My brothers and I argued over who would get the biggest one.
Mother held up the largest apple and said, ‘Everyone wants the best, and that’s normal. So let’s have a little contest: I’ll divide the lawn into three sections. Whoever trims their section the fastest and neatest gets the big apple.’
We raced to finish, and I won the apple.”
He continued:
“From that day on, my mother taught us this simple but powerful truth:
If you want the best, you must earn it.
Everything good in our home had to be earned through effort and fairness. She lived by this principle herself. That’s how I learned discipline, persistence, and integrity—lessons that shaped my entire life.”
🌱 A Mother’s Words Are Seeds in a Child’s Heart
Both mothers divided apples.
Both children learned a lesson.
But one learned deception—while the other learned effort.
A mother’s reaction in a single moment, her tone of voice, or even a casual reward can plant seeds deep in a child’s heart.
Those seeds may grow into honesty and strength—or into cunning and selfishness.
Children mirror their mothers.
The way a mother faces life—whether with truth or pretense, effort or avoidance—becomes the way her child faces the world.
Education doesn’t always happen in grand lessons or classrooms.
Sometimes, it happens in small, everyday choices—like how we divide an apple, handle conflict, or teach fairness.
A wise mother uses love and insight to guide her child to understand that:
- Honesty is more precious than cunning,
- Effort is more reliable than shortcuts,
- Sharing brings deeper joy than possessing.
These values, taught through simple acts, become the foundation of a child’s character.
A mother’s way of teaching doesn’t just shape a child’s childhood—it molds their destiny.
Every look, every word, every reaction writes silently into a child’s heart the story of who they will become.
May all mothers guide their children with both love and wisdom,
so that the lessons we leave behind are those of kindness, courage, and truth.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one apple—and one mother’s choice—to change a life forever.
Peace LiLy 