think of the children

present singular third person thinks of the children · participle present thinking of the children · participle past thought of the children · past thought of the children · alternative won't someone think of the children · alternative what about the children

1. imperativeusuallyAn appeal to suspend rational consideration of an issue owing to its presumptive negative effects on the young and impressionable; usually in ironic or mocking parody of another's argumentum ad passiones or moral panic.

   For quotations using this term, see Citations:think of the children.

2. imperativeusuallyA sincere plea to consider the young.

   Mrs Banks: Katie Nanna, I beseech you. Please reconsider. Think of the children. Think of Mr Banks. He was just beginning to get used to you.

   1964, Bill Walsh et al., Mary Poppins, Walt Disney Pictures

   1 more example

   In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to have the courage to set aside the status quo, to think of the children and families of this Nation and to embrace real reform. I urge a 'yes' vote on both sides of the aisle for this rule and the conference report.

   1996 July 31, Deborah Pryce, “Conference Report on H.R. 3734, Personal Responsibility and Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996”, in Congressional Record, volume 142, United States Government Printing Office, page H9392-H9424