[Philistone]

I'm still a few years away from that point, but have had this discussion with my (very) rich cousin whose eldest son is graduating HS this year. His son is a very talented artist and wants to go either to an art school or a university to study art. My cousin (self-made entrepreneur) is, obviously, concerned and wants him to study business.

What I proposed was that he let his son decide, but with the following proviso: that if the wanted to study business, cousin would pay the full ticket for four years, but that if he wanted to study art, he would pay some, but the son would have to get a job to pay the rest. You have that lever available to you as well.

The goal of raising a child is not to create a clone, but to create an autonomous individual. It's harder than it looks!

[twigs]

My daughter is 21 and an art major (actually, Interior Design in an art department). She's not a natural student, so we were delighted that she decided to major in something where she has a natural talent. We also encouraged her to get a job while she was at school in something that was somewhat related to her major. For the past two years, she has worked in a furniture store. Lately, they've made overtures that they want her to increase her hours and take on more responsibilities--and pay her for it. We're not sure what is happening, but my husband and I think that they see a very good worker that they may want to hire permanently. Fortunately, her other talent is administration.

I think this is a way to help graduation blues. Get a job while you're in school and get experience before you graduate. Makes you more employable.

[Myrddin]

The goal of raising a child is not to create a clone, but to create an autonomous individual. It's harder than it looks!

My #2 son shares my intelligence and tenacity, but has very different interests in life. He will graduate with his degree in business in July. Meanwhile, he is a licensed real estate broker in San Diego with two real estate corporations and about 15 employees. He will turn 23 next Tuesday.