I have very little to ad to @bjkmom 's beautiful post. But you have to know that there was no way for you to know in advance that your pushing was the wrong approach. I know so many kids who needed just that kind of help to get through high school and into college and then once there, found themselves and succeeded. You don’t have the counter factual in front of you. I know kids whose parents took a step back, let their kids “fail” and those kids never got through high school, never got the degree. I understand your sadness, but honestly, you did the best you could, just like all of us. And you will never know if it was the right or wrong choice. But, luckily, there is no lasting harm done here. Your son is young and has his degree. He has time to make his choices and to mature. College right after high school isn’t the right path for so many kids. He is lucky to have you on his side to support him as he finds his way. Hugs to you both.
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