"I want the best for you"?

[LeTyan]

Hi:
What exactly does "I want the best for you" mean?

When a mother says that to her child, what exactly does she mean?

Is it like a cliche that doesn't really mean anything?

[Chicken Sandwich]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Is it like a cliche that doesn't really mean anything?

Clearly it's not a meaningless statement. 'The best' could refer to anything, food, clothing, eductation, etc. It doesn't really matter here - it's just a general statement.

[BobK]

I wouldn't say it was clearly not meaningless. It clearly expresses a wish, but the motivation behind the wish - and indeed the existence of the wish - is usually a matter for some doubt.

So a parent who says 'I want the best for my children' may mean anything between 'I'm a normal parent' (verging on meaningless) and 'I want my children to have and achieve and experience what's best for them'; their children usually think it means ' I want my children to do what I think will lead to the best outcomes for them'

b