I Wanted My Son to Be Happy But on MY Terms

Somewhere near the end of middle school our son, the youngest of three children, let my husband and I know a few things.  He was straightforward and matter-of-fact when he told us that he would not be playing an organized sport, and did not have a desire to play in the school band or join Leadership. Also, he let us know, he would not be aiming for or going to an elite college.

In a family where academia is almost a religion, this was a big moment. It may have been his natural maverick tempe...