i took my daughter skating yesterday at the rink, and got some "looks" from the other parents when my daughter tried some bullsh*t. "i can't skate on this ice, it's better outside, ok, you want to go? there is no ice outside, and this is better ice anyway… either you want to be here or not…" *looks*… and then she skated. let the other people put up with that shit, i don't. she gets good grades, knows how to take care of herself in the morning for school and at night for bed, does well at sports, but all kids need to be pushed and directed, not coddled. i'm her parent not best friend, that will come as she gets old enough to handle and earn that.