Obviously we like to think parents are making decisions for us in our best interest, but is there perhaps, the chance that they make their decisions based on what they couldn't accomplish themselves, and thus wish to experience vicariously through their children? Perhaps it is even unconscious on their part?

We always hear stories of the people who persevered and made their risky decisions into bewildering success, but we don't hear of the many more people who stumble or fail attempting to achieve the same thing!