It is natural and honorable to want life better for your children then you had yourself unless they find it worse. You might feel as if you failed because you didn’t take your studies serious enough but that doesn’t mean your child needs to be a bookworm. I know if only you had that person to push you then you would have been “…..” so you continue to pull your child down that path but don’t be surprised if she/he falls down the staircase instead. It’s great to give them the keys to open the door but they just might want to climb the opposite fence and that should be fine as well. They may not live up to the expectations of the fellow Smith, Patels, or Cohen’s on the block but if they feel successful in their passion then you should be the first to congratulate them. Let them dream on their own and help them make it their reality instead of the one you have painted for them and yourself.
FOOTNOTE- It’s important that you and your child agree on the basics of a successful life and remember to keep it basic.