I definitely agree that having too many "skills" pushed on someone earlier can sometimes lead to self-criticism and other maladaptive behaviors.

I tend to think that parents should present to their children as many different potential things to learn and excel at, but allow the children to drive themselves towards what interests them. Parents can then guide them accordingly. But the child should still feel themselves in control. Sort of like when Tibetan Buddhists find the next Lama- they have the candidate choose an item from the predecessor's possessions.