http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQRWeZy-S8Q

I like this, and feel like sharing it.

Two seconds in... he says you can do whatever you want in life, that it's only a matter of having the drive... bullshit. Anyone who's lived in the real world knows this is bullshit. It's toxic to teach kids this because when they hit their heads on the glass ceiling put in place for them, which will happen unless they have exceptional talent, drive, and luck, or were born into wealth, their lofty dreams will not be realized - and they will believe themselves to be failures, not realizing that it is the system that held them in their place, not their character. It's much better to be realistic from day one. No need to be negative, but don't set them up for a self inflicted mental bruising.

Don't believe it? Chat with the people bagging your groceries next time. You'd be surprised how many have advanced degrees.

Ha... that's awesome. Good find.

Childhood isn't paradise and no one should try to make it that way.. it's preparation for adulthood. Don't need to be mean,or negative, but telling your kids all they have to do is try and they'll have the world in their hands is setting them up for a real rude awakening and a total inability to deal with it.

That is true and it's terrible. Just get concerned when the encouragement reaches unrealistic levels, setting people up for disappointment and self esteem problems. It's tempting to be all roses around kids but it really does them no favors... they're smarter than they seem. They can handle, and appreciate, honesty. Didn't mean to sound like an ass, sorry if the language was brusque.

@Assyl -- I agree no need to be over-positive, and most people that is true for -- but there are types of people who have a different personality and more grit then most people. Those are the people that actually have interests, opinions, etc.. They go places if they want. Often to jail, but sometimes not.