β€œA mom I know doesn’t let her child in a bouncy castle unless she holds his hand β€” like he’s only allowed at the edge of the bouncy castle where she can reach him from outside.”

"Their kid was in intensive immersion programs for piano and other things at age 3. As late as 2024, he refused to let anyone near them without taking a COVID test and still insists on masking if they are inside. His goal is to make sure she gets into a specific prestigious university, so his entire parenting strategy is checking boxes for this. To be clear, we are highly educated professionals, but have no particular status or great family name. Like, if this kid gets into Berkeley instead of Yale, it will not bring shame upon the family. Honestly, he's exhausting, and my sister-in-law is kinda over him."

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.