Are they happy? I think this should be the measure of success for a parent to worry about. Encouraging them to reach goals can absolutely be a part of happiness but I’ve had friends who spiraled down the drain because their parents pushed them so hard to make tangible achievements and completely neglected their actual happiness
You’re absolutely right, but I think the dad’s reply wasn’t focused on the kids’ states per se and more on his perception of whatever they are. He loves his kids and wants to be around them because they are nice/good people, which he casually summarizes as “cool”. I read it like his perspective, not theirs.
Are they happy? I think this should be the measure of success for a parent to worry about. Encouraging them to reach goals can absolutely be a part of happiness but I’ve had friends who spiraled down the drain because their parents pushed them so hard to make tangible achievements and completely neglected their actual happiness
You’re absolutely right, but I think the dad’s reply wasn’t focused on the kids’ states per se and more on his perception of whatever they are. He loves his kids and wants to be around them because they are nice/good people, which he casually summarizes as “cool”. I read it like his perspective, not theirs.