I think this issue of knowing how much too encourage without pushing too hard is something I struggle with all the time. Glad to know it is a common problem.
Cat, what I thought was interesting is that the parents in the article are saying what you are saying and what many here often say. But the reporter and the reporter's quote of the Davidson person seem to be saying something else. Maybe it was just me but it sounded like these parents were trying desperately to stay ahead of the need for input and challenge - but the reporter was looking for the tiger mom part of the story. I liked what Conrad Tao, said "his parents applied "little pushes here and there" to help "instill a work ethic, a simple discipline, that was definitely helpful" to him. This seems to be on track with your point but I don't know, the article reminded me more of those stories about ice skaters or gymnasts families - look at the dedication, tinged with the are the parents crazy, undertone.
DeHe
