<p>Wow! I'm in the opposite situation -- I'm a positive parent, and my son is very negative about his chances, and doesn't like me to plan about or talk about his future situation. He says that the only way he can manage his possible disappointment is to assume it's inevitable, and that way he'll just be surprised if he's not. It makes me sad, because I want him to share my optimism, but he says it's to emotionally risky for him, it'll hurt so much more if/when he doesn't get the outcome we hope for.</p>