I’ve tried to point out that everyone succeeds sometimes and fails sometimes. But they aren’t listening. I guess it is something that they will need to learn for themselves.

@Ma What’s For Dinner, I have a sneaking suspicion there is no answer to this issue. Don’t you hate that?! Seeing our kids crushed over a loss or failure is horrible, and yet it has to happen. If some wise person does come along with the answer, I’ll pass it along. 🙂

@Alex@LateEnough, I wholeheartedly agree. I loved – still love – to compete. But I know better than to throw a tantrum or blame someone else when I lose. The temptation is always there, of course, even at my very mature age (ha). Now we have to pass those lessons on to our kids.

Ugh… there are hard life lessons ahead.

@Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom), I’m not ready, either! Parenting toddlers and preschoolers is physically demanding, but I really like not having to deal with disappointment and broken hearts (at least nothing more than the broken heart over having to share a toy, or leave a play date, etc… that, I can handle!). It’s the big stuff I’m not ready for – at all.

@Amber, That made me laugh. I have this image of you, yelling “Loser!” to a little kid. So funny and so wrong. Ha.

I like what you say about your parents letting you go, even though they may have known it was going to be a hard road. That is our job as parents sometimes and while I don’t look forward to it, I know it’s important.

@joann mannix, I am dreading – DREADING – try outs, elections, dating, tests, college applications… On the one hand, it’s all so thrilling and on the other hand, I know there’s heartbreak ahead. I better stock my freezer with ice cream.

@Mary Morrison, Mary! I was so excited to see your name pop up in the comments!

Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I was feeling kind of like a grinch after posting this, so knowing you agree makes me feel better.

@Kelley, Parenting is absolutely not for sissies.

Thanks so much for the award – my post will be up tomorrow! 🙂

@Blogging Goddess, I’m all for a little TV now and then! 😉

I think what you say is true for most parents – we secretly (or for some, not so secretly) want them to excel. Finding the balance between parenting and pushing is not easy. I wish someone would just tell me how to accomplish this!