<p>The problem lies not with the bright hard-workers who have high goals for themselves that might prove too high for them to attain. You can label that a hepful and encouraging optimism that promotes industriousness in the pursuit of an objective. The problem, at polihist points out, is that there are plenty of kids who don’t put in the work, and think that miraculously they can be a C student taking the easiest classes and end up getting into an Ivy and becoming a doctor or lawyer. It just isn’t consistent with the facts.</p>
<p>Parents fall prey to this too. They want their little darlings to always be comfortable and happy, and not have to work hard. Somehow, though, they imagine their children will reap the benefits of hard work. I have a friend who is looking for “a good college where my daughter doesn’t have to work too hard.” I tried to explain that usually good colleges gain reputations as good colleges precisely because the academics are challenging and kids DO work hard.</p>