Parental Expectations, Pt 2
Category: Local...
Posted Friday, September 19, 2003 at 08:33 AM [GMT-6]

After re-reading my previous post, I feel the need to clarify my position. I didn't mean to sound so negative or cynical about the situation. If I find any fault, it's in the apparent unwillingness of the mom to take some credit for guiding her son in a certain direction.

Kids need such help and guidance. Parents who recognize a specific gift or talent in their child at an early age, and who choose to ignore it or to let the child "find her own way" do that child a disservice, in my opinion. Providing opportunities for the child to enjoy and enhance that gift or talent is one of the greatest responsibilities and, I suspect*, pleasures a parent can experience.

The fine line comes between pushing a child and guiding him. Every parent needs to continually assess motive to make sure that line is properly respected. In Ryan's case, based on the limited information in the article, I don't see any evidence that the line was crossed inappropriately.

Again, I think it's OK...it's good...for a parent to be able to say, "I recognized this talent in little Bobby, long before he was able to, and I'm proud to say that I gave him every opportunity to enjoy it. His success is also my success!"