<p>@tomtomclub: I shared that story as an example of how (despite my efforts NOT to be the sort of parent who pushes his kids into things too strongly) a research opportunity could happen authentically/organically…but as in one of Cal Newport’s examples, this only really came about because we happen to know the scientist in question (his daughters go to school with my younger daughter).</p>
<p>As I noted along with that story, this is just another way I’ve become the sort of parent I didn’t want to be. Something similar happened with my younger girl and sports. I said I’d never be the kind of parent who misses church for a sporting event. Sad to say it has happened… :-(</p>