Encouragement in either direction is ethical so long as the parent is taking the child's wellbeing into account. Past that, it's a judgment call on the part of

Encouragement in either direction is ethical so long as the parent is taking the child's wellbeing into account. Past that, it's a judgment call on the part of the parent, and a lot of that is informed by their own life experience. I know my parents never tried to instill any entrepreneurial values in me, but instead encouraged me to do well in school and go to college so I could get a decent job. Hardly what I'd call unethical - they were simply valuing my safety and stability over my independence and creative fulfillment. Since they came from less privileged backgrounds, that was likely a reflection of their own aspirations. You grow up wondering if your family will be able to put food on the table, around families who sometimes can't, and you might place a higher value on stability for yourself and your children.