[fast_e_man]

Matt, one of the reasons I love snow skiing is each skier can choose their own path down any given slope. Those with less ability can take a less challenging route, and those with high ability can be creative with their line and make most runs considerably more challenging than the average skier would dare.

Philosophically, high school can be viewed similarly. Take the "less challenged" path, i.e. mediocrity, which is where many school systems steer the students, or choosing academic and athletic challenges. In cases where the school doesn't offer a robust AP curriculum, there are community colleges typically available for students to dial up their academics outside of the core curriculum offered by the school.

Point is, with solid parental guidance, children can develop out-of-the-box thought processes, and learn not to settle for mediocrity; achieve at an ability level that matches their aptitude. The key, I believe, is being invested parents who set appropriate expectations. Perhaps the best way to set expectations is to lead by example. If you are feeling career limited, guessing your children sense that perspective.

My wife and I have talked openly with our children about taking calculated risks (not being foolish), yet breaking out of comfort zones and exploring the unknown, and sometimes figuring it out on the fly, risk versus reward, etc.

If you are feeling the itch, might be time to pull the trigger, just sayin'