Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going.

The quote "Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going" by Phyllis Diller uses humor to shed light on the often difficult dynamics between parents and their children. Diller, a pioneering comedian known for her sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, often made jokes about family life and the challenges of parenthood. In this quote, she highlights how children’s frequent threats to run away, a common childhood tantrum or act of rebellion, ironically serve as a source of comfort or motivation for some parents.

The first part of the quote, "Most children threaten at times to run away from home," reflects a universal experience in childhood. Many children, when frustrated or upset, may declare their intention to leave home, even though they usually have no intention of actually doing so. This threat, though often said in jest, represents a moment of emotional outburst and a desire for independence.

However, Diller humorously turns this idea on its head by suggesting that, for some parents, these threats are actually reassuring. The second part of the quote, "This is the only thing that keeps some parents going," plays on the idea that the thought of their child leaving—despite its dramatic and unsettling nature—can give parents a momentary sense of relief or even motivate them to carry on. It suggests that, for some parents, the rebelliousness or independence of their children may serve as a sign that they are growing up, which can bring a sense of fulfillment or accomplishment.

This quote, like much of Diller’s comedy, uses exaggeration and irony to offer a humorous perspective on parenting. It speaks to the complexities and contradictions of family life, where moments of frustration, such as a child's tantrum or threat to leave, can also bring a strange form of comfort or motivation to parents. The quote captures the chaos, humor, and emotional rollercoaster that often come with raising children.