When parents decrease their influence, other forces increase theirs. The wise woman knew the only thing that could save the princess from her hatefulness was that she should be made to mind somebody else than her own miserable Somebody. He claims that the goal of keeping a child happy will keep her from being happy. We are taught now that the first five or six years of a child's life are the most formative. Learning continues throughout life, they say, and their principles apply throughout life.
Past events predict present behavior, but present behavior changes for better or for worse.
We can take action that will make a difference. The two girls the wise woman undertook to help were well past five or six. Significantly, she never scolded or spanked either one. Instead, she provided an effective new learning environment immediately. The princess was grasped under a cloak and borne away against her will.