[fintstone]

I see a lot here that I agree with (and you have a lot to be proud of)...but on the other hand, he sounds a lot like me and some of my friends at that age. I always wished I could go back in time and smack some sense into myself...or that someone had sat down with me and explained how unrealistic (opportunity-wise) my goals were... And how that would affect my lifestyle and that of my future family for the rest of my life.

I had similar talks with my kids. The older, a boy, was the brightest and most talented. I had high expectations and he failed at all of them. No drive, ambition, or self discipline whatsoever. I have not heard from him in almost 15 years. I am not sure if it was rebellion or...

My less talented daughter was a star at everything she did and is now an Air Force Capt and a medical doctor. She makes as much her first year as I did after working 25 years. She calls every night and we have a room set up for he in our house and she has one for us in her house...so we can visit as much as possible.

Give them as much info as you can...but ultimately, they make their own choices. Like I told my daughter...you can have a PhD or MD and still flip burgers if you find that interesting...but don't think you can decide to be an MD if you didn't take school seriously since you were 12 and dropped out at 16.