I honestly can’t relate. S17 never took an honors or AP class; no endless hour studying. Endless hours playing his sports? Yes, but he picked the sports, never focused exclusively on one, and did it because he loved it and being with this friends. He’s at a state directional and has loved it. No clue what he really wants to do for his career, but neither did his parents (or grandparents for that matter), and we’re all fine.
D21 does take honors and AP, a few ECs, but I guess we’re just too laid back as parents to have raise type A kids. She puts a lot of pressure on herself to do well, but I’ve always believed if you have to stay up until 4am to get it all done, it’s too much. She has 2 acceptances so far, one at a LAC college with their max merit, so she’ll be fine too.
Sometimes I look at CC posts and think I should have pushed harder, but to what end? My kids are both well adjusted, happy kids. They will find their way.