A unmarried child Psychologist lived in a quiet neighbourhood and was well respected by his neighbors and the children. He was well known for always reminding parents about the proper methods of raising children and the importance of firm but gentle guidance, loving interaction and ongoing praise. He would become very agitated when ever he saw a frazzled parent lose it and raise their voice to a child, and was quite vocal with such parents, emphasizing the psychological and emotional damage that could result from such traumatic treatment. One day, he was finishing up a home improvement project - putting down a concrete walkway on the front of his house. After pouring and smoothing the cement, he went inside for a break. Meanwhile, the local children noticed the freshly poured concrete and being children, could not resist. As the professor came outside, he saw a number of children with their feet and hands in the concrete, ensuring that their marks were permanently recorded for history. The professor was quite properly upset and angry, and verbally launched into the children with a vengeance and chased them off. His next door neighbor observed the goings-on with some mirth, and asked the professor what happened to his teachings and love for children.

The Professor, immediately calming down, replied with a straight face that he enjoyed children, but only in the abstract not in the concrete.