I wouldn't quite call the American attitude carefree, though it can be mistaken that way. The mindset of this kind of parent (your chem teacher) is more aimed toward the child achieving true happiness rather than driven success. The parent provides the child with enough resources and safety to grow to maturity. Instead of being pushed to do what the parent wants, the child is intended to utilize the "ample opportunity," available, and urged to pursue whatever they truly desire. This may look carefree because the parent's influence is limited, but it's meant to be in the child's best interest. The parent is merely starting them up, preparing them to make these decisions. Considering the productivity of the nation, i agree this may not be the best strategy. It's a conflict of interests, or even tradition - Live a life of treasures and unhappiness... or happiness. America is run by ambition - capitalism. If the person wishes to be rich, they (for the most part) have the opportunity to work towards it, and that's what they're supposed to do. If they work hard enough and long enough, they get it. It wasn't their parent's ambition that put them to the top, it was theirs. The child's free choice is meant to generate this ambition.