My dad wants me to apply elsewhere... help me!

momsgotapoint
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:39:37 +0000

@R124687

As a long time lurker, your post has brought me out of the closet and lured me into registering. I am a professional writer. I have worked steadily for 20 years. I have made enough money to send both my kids to the schools of their dreams without financial aid. Hopefully their talents (because they’re good at what they love) will win them merit scholarships.

I would be both poorer and far less happy had my parents commandeered my college and career aspirations rather than encouraged me to pursue my strengths and passions (which turned out to be one and the same) in the geographic locations that I felt suited my sensibility.

It’s clear you have your child’s future interests at heart, but if you indeed practice what you preach, it’s a dangerous game you’re playing. Be careful. It’s important to teach our kids to be practical in life, but it’s just as, if not more, important to teach them to listen to their inner voices.