I don't think they were specially pushy, they rewarded effort and achievement and provided large amounts of opportunity.
the only time i felt pushed was when my dad signed me up for piano lessons, which i didn't particularly want to do, with a very strict/scary teacher. i cried every term and never took any grades.
( sleepybinky, Mon 28 Nov 2011, 13:14, archived)

How did they reward you?
I got a coffee mug for passing my A-levels and that was about it.

They always wanted me to learn a musical instrument, but I didn't. For some reason they still seem to hold it against me.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Mon 28 Nov 2011, 13:17, archived)

well we got a LOT of books and things like art supplies, but also appreciation.
my brother did well in his GCSEs so my dad got him a new guitar... they rewarded our interest in extra-curricular activities by investing in those activities more, I suppose.

i was the least musical person. My brother learned clarinet, moved onto saxophone, and also plays guitar; my sister is a grade 8 cellist who supplemented babysitting money with being in a string quartet on hire for events.
( sleepybinky, Mon 28 Nov 2011, 13:29, archived)

you're the Bez to the rest of the family's Happy Mondays

( spesh., Mon 28 Nov 2011, 14:07, archived)

It's because your Dad wanted you to re-enact Kate Bush's "Babooshka" video for his private wank bank
by refusing to master the double bass you've let him down
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Mon 28 Nov 2011, 13:32, archived)