Is it good to be a pushy parent?

[AB Asks]

We all have our own experiences with our parents. Not everyone gets on with them, but generally they do want what's best for their children. They do, however, take different approaches to this. Some parents admit to private tutoring, constant home testing when their children are barely leaving primary school and 'encouraging' them to learn an instrument. Are pushy parents a good thing? Would you take steps to make sure that your kids did better than others?

[tattoo1094]

In my humble opinion a happy child will exceed naturally at school.To push a child into 'playing an instrument ' i think has always been a bad thing ask the child what he/she enjoys doing.Give them a list of things to choose from like,rugby, tennis,playing an instrument, gardening, karate etc...
To encourage a child when they are having a bad day is excellent parenting but to constantly nag would be to lower their self asteem and confidence and without those two things in life im afraid we dont get very far do we?
How ever each child is different and needs a different approach.Personally I dont care a jot if my son does nt do as well as the next as long as he knows in his heart he tried his best, i think thats all that counts.