🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi, Tim --

I guess we're in agreement about all but one thing.

That thing is exemplified by the behavior of a young man some years ago. He
brought along his four-year-old son to our house, and we all had lunch.
During the lunch, the father stood behind his son, watching over his
shoulder, reaching in to correct every mistake the little boy made, and to
prevent mistakes -- for instance, when the little boy reached for his milk
glass, the father's hand was right there with his, to keep him from
spilling. While the little boy was not making mistakes, the father hovered,
watching like a hawk, ready to pounce.

This boy had _severe_ psychological problems at home and at school.

Most of the time this father was not applying direct force to the little
boy. Yet I would maintain that there was an atmosphere of extreme coercion
at all times. I say the little boy behaved as he did because he didn't dare
to behave otherwise.

How would you analyze that sort of relationship?

Best,

Bill P.