I have 2 grown boys - they couldn't be more different! Child #1 was unmotivated in school, did enough to get by in high school, and flunked out of college. Child #2 was Valedictorian of his class, graduated from Purdue University in Mechanical Engineering with a perfect 4.0 grade average. Child #1 got a factory job where he excelled, advancing to a training position and earning a good living. He lives on 10 acres in the country and is as happy as a clam. Child #2 works for an engineering consulting firm, lives in Chicago's near North Side and is also happy.
Bottom line is we love them both and have come to the realization that a parent's role is to help the child find their own way in life and not to dictate what they do. It is hard when a child does not do what we hope for, but the important thing is to let them know that you love them, and you are there if they need you.
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