I have no kids and cannot reflect on the fear/hope part. Life is too complex to be predicted in general, we choose our own path alone. All that can attest to is that in my darkest moments, painting has given me a shelter and hope. When I paint, I completely loose sense of time. Actually, after some hiccups to this day I use an alarm to limit my sessions.:)

> All that can attest to is that in my darkest moments, painting has given me a shelter and hope. When I paint, I completely lose sense of time.

That's me with programming.

I would of course love to links to your art if you're up to it

Thanks for your request, I am working on a show (series of experimental paintings) but I have a principle of not sharing on HN personal stuff. In this way, when I speak here, I have no filter and no self-censuring mechanism is applied.:)

Every parent hopes their kid will pursue their dreams as a hobby while learning to code. Speaking as a parent of two such kids, good luck with that. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't.