For sure, a relationship of honesty and trust is a good default. And I'm not saying he shouldn't do that. However, one thing that struck me about the article is

For sure, a relationship of honesty and trust is a good default. And I'm not saying he shouldn't do that. However, one thing that struck me about the article is how hard he took his daughter's disappointment. On the one hand, I'm familiar with that feeling, because I hate disappointing my own children. On the other hand, I've also recognized the inevitability of this, because even without encouragement, the kids form unwarranted expectations are disappointed somewhat routinely.