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21 July 1989 (sh.itjust.works)
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[-] deliriousdreams@fedia.io 2 points 1 month ago

This sounds like a body autonomy problem to me. "kids don't know so I should force them, so they can decide if they're comfortable with it after having had the experience". That's not something I want for my kid. I don't want to foster the idea that they have to do something just because an adult (even a trusted adult) says so.

I would much rather offer them the chance to do something and respect their choices. I'm reminded of that viral video where the kid is obviously terrified of a water park ride where you get shot out of a tube, and the parents don't take it seriously/make him go on the ride. That's not what's happening in the comic, but just because we view something as harmless doesn't mean that a kid has that same view. It doesn't have to be scary, it can just be boring or uncomfortable.

I have found that my kid is way more willing to try things if given the option with the knowledge that his decision has weight.

This sounds like a body autonomy problem to me.

You have to change your kids diaper even if they hate that. You have to put them in bed even if they do not understand that will be good for them. You have to make them interact with other kids even if they are scared at first.

just because an adult (even a trusted adult) says so.

I am all in favor doing it gently and explaining and convincing them. This is why my use of force is in quotes. If stuff is less important (like phishing) I would only use convincing and maybe some easy punishment (if you stay at home you have to clean your room). But if something is really important (like changing a diaper) I will use physical force to do it.

However they do not have to do something just because adult said so. What adult says, should be backed by a good reason that is in kids best interest.

[-] deliriousdreams@fedia.io 1 points 1 month ago

There's a difference between doing something for a kids health and safety and forcing them to do things they don't want to do just because you enjoy it and you want them to have the experience. That's a terrible argument. I love broccoli but I have my kid eat broccoli not for the experience but because it's good for him.

Being able to foster a relationship where I won't force them to do something for the sake of the experience is what I'm saying. Experiences can be good for kids but there are better ways to get them to have them and not damage your relationship with them in the process than to force them.

I think this is maybe not exaclty the same thing but there is a lot of overlap.

It is healthy for my kid to:

  • go hang out and bond with their father
  • go out of their comfort zone
  • learn patience
  • also do stuff that others like
  • learn to sacrifice
  • give a try to something, even if they think it will not be fun
  • do things for others and not only for themselves.
  • experience new things

This is healthy social behavior and as a parent you are responsible your kid learns it. If they do not want to learn this stuff on their own, you are responsible for making a gentle push.

this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2026
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Calvin and Hobbes

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Hello fellow Calvin and Hobbes fans!

About this community and how I post the comic strip… The comics are posted in chronological order on the day (usually) they were released. Posting them to match the release date adds a bit of fun and nostalgia to match the experience of reading them in the newspaper for first time. Many moons ago, I would ask my Dad to save the newspaper for me everyday so I could read my favorite comic strips. It really sucked when I missed a day. Only years later, when I got the books was I able to catch up on the missed strips.

Calvin and Hobbes is a daily American comic strip created by cartoonist Bill Watterson that was syndicated from November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995. Commonly cited as "the last great newspaper comic",[2][3][4] Calvin and Hobbes has enjoyed broad and enduring popularity, influence, and academic and philosophical interest… Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes

Hope you enjoy and feel free to contribute to the community with art, cool stuff about the author, tattoos, toys and anything else, as long it’s Calvin and Hobbes!

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