"The child gets two confusing messages when a parent tells him which is the right fork to use, and then proceeds to use the wrong one. So does the child who listens to parents bicker and fuss, yet is told to be nice to his brothers and sisters"

This quote by Rachel Blanchard highlights the impact of contrasting messages on a child's advancement. When a parent tells a kid to do one thing, but then does the opposite, it can produce confusion and unpredictability in the child's mind. This can result in a lack of trust in the moms and dad's assistance and can likewise trigger the kid to question their own judgment. Likewise, when a kid is continuously exposed to arguments and disagreements in between their moms and dads, but is expected to be kind and caring towards their siblings, it can produce a sense of hypocrisy and inconsistency. This can be harming to the kid's emotional well-being and can affect their relationships with others. Blanchard's quote works as a tip for moms and dads to be mindful of the messages they send out to their kids and to strive for consistency in their actions and words.