I think, as a parent, it's also important to be aware of the child and ensure it's their goals and dreams vs our own. I totally agree with just about everything SB is saying and am of a similar mindset. More parents need to instill hard working values in their children. The thing is, they're not all genetically gifted and they do need to learn a balance. I work in child psychiatry and sometimes we get kids in who have attempted suicide because the pressure to perform at home/ school is soooo high and they can't manage it. They would rather be "sick" than tell their parents it's too much or not what they really want to do.
Don't get me wrong. I push my son hard and he's looking at college athletic scholarships and we're in negotiations currently but there was a point, where it got to be a lot and he wasn't sure if he wanted to continue on. I had to take a step back and realize that I was putting even more pressure on him and I had to accept the fact that he'd still be a great kid even if he decided to leave his sport. It would have broken my heart but it's his life.
The main point is....know your kid. Find the balance. And love them no matter what.