We think that too many kids are pushed too hard by their parents. Sure, parents need to provide some support and encouragement, but at times parents can be overbearing.

Kids want to choose their own direction in life which may not be the path their parents would choose.

We applaud the parents who show genuine support and encouragement by being there when their kids want them to be. We recognize these parents because they are supporting their kids when extra encouragement is needed.

These parents are the ones who will stay up and help you with a project that is due the next day, if you ask them for help. These are the same parents who will be disappointed in you if you bring home a below average grade on a big Spanish test, but won't make you study Spanish every night so you can ace the next one.

They will brave all types of weather just to be at the big game when it seems as if no one will show. They also will remind you that practice makes perfect, but won't force you to go out and run five miles in the snow.

Parents like these are there for more than just sports and academics. These are the parents who will never miss a choir concert even though they know what you sound like when you sing in the shower. They are also there in the front row when you play an unnamed character with only one line in the school play.

These parents will help you load your sheep for the fair at five o' clock in the morning. They will be there through all of life's trials, but only when you ask them to be there.

These parents are the ones whose children will go on to be very successful because they let their kids choose their own paths. These parents give support and encouragement when their kids want it, without being imperious or non-existent.