People are often incapable of seeing what would be good for them to do, because they are too close to the situation. This is very much not a trait unique to kids, though perhaps it is more common in children because they have less life experience to draw comparisons from.
I think that in the right context, making someone do something because you believe it will help them is evidence that you care. It's easier to force your own children into things, since you have a certain innate authority over them, but there are lots of times when we nag/goad/beg the adults we're close to into making some move, whether related to relationships, work, health, or just trying something new. This probably happens most between partners, but it's certainly possible to all-but-force friends, siblings, or parents into taking a step they might know is right, but won't do without a push. It's not that pleasant to make someone do something, but it often results in eventual happiness. I've certainly been on the "You're were right, it was a good idea after all" side of that equation, and I've been grateful.
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Date: 2006-03-23 05:47 pm (UTC)I think that in the right context, making someone do something because you believe it will help them is evidence that you care. It's easier to force your own children into things, since you have a certain innate authority over them, but there are lots of times when we nag/goad/beg the adults we're close to into making some move, whether related to relationships, work, health, or just trying something new. This probably happens most between partners, but it's certainly possible to all-but-force friends, siblings, or parents into taking a step they might know is right, but won't do without a push. It's not that pleasant to make someone do something, but it often results in eventual happiness. I've certainly been on the "You're were right, it was a good idea after all" side of that equation, and I've been grateful.