What sort of balance of idealism vs. realism do/will you impress upon your children?

I really thought that I would lean more toward realism than I actually do. It depends so much on the specific topic, though.
Somewhat recently there was a situation where my kids (who, most of you know are not my biological children) were told a harsh reality by a biological parent, but it was such a sickening blow to their self esteem that I can’t imagine that it was helpful in any way to teach them that “lesson.”
On the other hand, there have been times where the gentle part of me wants to hide them from bad things, and pretend that everything is okay.. but I know that it is critical that they learn certain realities about the world.
So, all in all, it really boils down to the individual circumstance. I weigh it out, on a case by case basis, and make my decisions from there. I think there are certain things about parenthood that you can try to plan, but ultimately you have to play as you go.

I’ve already decided to sign my kids up for a gym if they’re fat.

I think I would lean more toward idealism, but definitely be honest about the way the world really works when necessarily.

Teach idealism. Reality will impress itself on them far too soon. Just always be ready to answer their questions as simply and as honestly as possible.

I think as real situations come up, I would give them the real deal. Very young it is nice for them to be in an idealistic bubble, safe and secure. But, as they have more and more exposure to the real world we need to help them make sense of it, and begin to learn coping mechanisms, how they might be judged, the ways of the world. This would be a slow process over the entire childhood.

I think.

I don’t have kids, but that is what I think I would do.

I tend towards idealism, and explain the way things should be, and why it’s important to work towards that goal. But I always follow up with the way things are, and give them (I hope) practical skills that help them deal with the reality.

You teach both without a doubt, all the time. You say ‘the world is this way about this particular issue…it is my belief that it should be otherwise…if you grow up to believe it should be otherwise, as well…make it happen…make your ideals your reality…you be the change you want to see in the world.’

About fifty percent of one, and the rest: the other. I won’t tell you which is the fifty percent.

Enough idealism to motivate them to work toward how they think things should be, enough realism for them to get by while they’re working on it.

Both, absolutely.

However, I am naturally biased, being a free spirited type.
While some conformity is necessary, I’m much more encouraging of taking the roads less traveled. ;-D

I’ll tell them all things of divine sheer beauty must be admired and loved but not all can be touched, like porcupines.

I am and always will be an idealist. All that matters is what’s between your ears – I don’t care what the statistics say (about job interiews or otherwise).