Every parent wants their children to be happy and successful and one factor which influences happiness and success is career choice.
Choosing a career is an extremely important decision that impacts an individual ‘s entire future and parents play an important role in their children’s career development and career decision- making.
By giving children the wings to choose and pursue what they wish for their career, the
possibility is of taking a chance with their career, which will either
lead to success or either totally diminish their career.
In the second case, if parents force children to pursue what they wish for them without knowing his/her ability, skills and interests; here the eventual possibility is of failure. Because that will lead to frustration and ultimately ending up doing nothing in the field due to lack of interest in that particular field.
Everyone has a unique set of skills and aptitudes. Each child is individual in their own way, and so may possess different skills and abilities to their parents. Thus, parents should act as supporters & facilitators, not the influencers. They should understand the needs and desires of the children instead of pressurizing them.
Even if the children don’t admit it but they always look for a guidance and advice from their parents!
How Can Parents help in children’s career selection?
First, it is important to stay positive not allowing stress to become a hurdle, making the past seem perfect and the future terrifying. Next is to follow these three simple steps:
- Involve
- Advise
- Support
Involvement is necessary…
Parents should show genuine interest and support for their adolescents ‘career plans. By getting involved in discussions and not waiting until the last minute to make decisions by or for them. If the process is started early, there is less probability of making unwise decisions.
Some children fear the disapproval of their parents if they pursue a career in Arts, Music or Drama instead of a practical high-earning occupation such as Medical, Law or Engineering.
They must allow adolescents to discover who they are on their own, alongside helping them realising their unrealistic expectations from life.
Advise as a friend…
Parents should encourage the child to get as much as education possible.
By their (parent’s) life’s experience and knowledge (of the world of work), they can teach and guide their children in crucial decision-making, also helping them discover their innate talents and skills.
Further, they should be made aware of the career resources, education and training opportunities in their chosen career field.
Parental Support…
Parents support is a significant role to play. Research has also shown that, when a child feels supported and loved by their parents, they have more confidence in their own ability. It gives them more encouragement to research and explore the many career options and find the best career fit, which would be both exciting and interesting to them.
Last but not the least…
Parents must keep the communication lines open and encourage their child to gather as much information as possible on their career interest areas.
If they react negatively, to their shooting down ideas about their future careers, it may shut down the whole exploration process.
At RMIET, we believe that each student can be successful in their chosen career path with self-belief and discipline. The children just need a guidance and support from their parents and teachers and they can rise to the top of any profession they choose.
As it is said… “A Parent is a Child’s First Teacher”
