I had the classic Asian upbringing... I started piano at 4, violin at 5, practiced each for 2-3 hours a day (until I focused just on piano at age 11), competed in piano competitions, etc. None of these were decisions I would've made if left to my own devices, but I don't regret them because they made my mom happy.

When I was high school, I defied my parents and joined the football team. My stock dropped 80% that day... possibly 99%. But I still consider it one of the best decisions I ever made. After that, all my big decisions went to the family though because I had used up all of my political capital haha.

Growing up, my family was my main concern in my decisions.. but as I got older, I started to go my own way with my biggest decisions. Now I have a family of my own, and I think mostly of them... but I am definitely more selfish than I was.

I don't know what I want for our kids. I want them to be independent, but also want them to take our input into account. Hopefully they won't just defy us and do whatever they want... although if they do, I'm a big believer in letting people make their own mistakes.

Growing up, how much did you take your family into account when making decisions? What kind of expectations do you have of your LO when it comes to making big decisions while growing up?