GUILTY!!!
I deleted that last part because I do emphasize handling failure, etc... But that first part was all me. My daughter wanted to play basketball, even though she was already very good at soccer and track. Given her size (or lack thereof) I thought hoops was a pipe dream of hers, never to be realized. But, she proved me wrong. Turned out to be a good little guard and a terror on defense. She would frustrate the hell out of opposing PGs, stealing the ball, deflecting passes...kind of a Speedy Smith type of player. She was enjoying success, first in middle school, and later at the junior high. She wanted to take her game to the next level and that meant Travel Ball (summer). She went out for the Natchitoches squad, a team at that time featuring Brandy Broome. She was among the last 4 cut on the week-long tryouts. My lil girl was so disappointed I started my own team. Yep! spent $thousands on fees, uniforms, travel, etc.. just so my daughter, and the other girls I recruited, could play Travel Ball.
Admittedly I was living vicariously thru her exploits and enjoyed the slaps on the back with the "Gee Dad! your daughter is an awesome player!" Which she was, and that I had nothing to do with.
So, yes, I am guilty of all those bad things parents do. And....I would do them again, because she is my lil girl
.