Originally Posted by JonLaw
Originally Posted by HowlerKarma
Maybe-- but MoN and I are pointing out that taking the well-traveled road has a price, too. I also stand by the statement that once that kind of thing is learned, it is something that one tends to struggle with, much like an eating disorder. It's just always there in the background, and it's hard work to force your thinking away from it as a default mode.

I think you have to consciously rebuild new habits and force them into place over significant periods of time so that the new habit becomes the default.

I agree. It's hard, but it's possible (and the decision to do it has to come from within). Parental units can set an example, but the child has to decide s/he wants to change, or it almost certainly won't happen.