Few years ago, if children were asked what they’d want to be when they grow up? Answers would range from doctor, teacher, engineer…
However, if you ask the children of today about their future career choices, their answers would be varied and go beyond the conventional options. Children today are aware of the innumerable career options they have in front of them and actually have a strong point of view on what they want to do in life. And this is such a contrast to the earlier times when children followed what their parents decided for them.
As parents, are we on the same page as our children when it comes to their future?
I came across this interesting #DoYourHomework video which has a group of parents and their children. Children were asked to draw a picture of what they would like to become in future while parents were asked to paint what they would like their children to become in future. They were told not to interact with each other during the course of the activity.
A lot of interesting stories emerged from the experiment. At the end of the experiment, parents and children were asked to reveal their ideas. And to everyone’s surprise the pictures were contrasting. Children expressed their eagerness to pursue conventional as well as unconventional careers and their parents saw their children pursuing professions different than what their children articulated.
As parents today, we would leave no stone unturned to make our children’s aspirations and dreams a reality. But, do we know what would be the cost of education ten years down the line? Or how much would it take to fulfil our child’s dream?
I think, as parents we need to do our homework too.
Incidentally, there is a Homework App which will make life simpler and easier for parents. Through the Homework app, parents can find out the costs of education across a multitude of courses in various countries at their finger-tips. The app not only gives info on the future value of the course which their children want to pursue, but also the estimated amount to invest to reach that goal. So, go on use this app and #DoYourHomework.
Children are our future. As parents let’s help them reach their career aspirations and goals and plan for our child’s future NOW by doing our homework.
11 Responses
We hear so many stories of people confessing that they yielded to their parents’ wishes when it came to their career path. But the lack of good job opportunities in the creative fore and the absence of steady income, that one yearns for, especially in a developing country like India are some of the reasons that worries the older generation. The situation has to change. And ofcourse, counselling in the right direction can guide people in the desired direction. We shouldn’t nip the buds of creativity from the young generation and chain them to suit our dreams.
True. There werent many opportunities earlier but the scene has changed dramatically now. So, parents should let their children carve a career path that nurtures their talents and skills. Of course, parents have to plan for the same to be a success and a reality.
Agree times are changing and so are the opportunities and choices. Let the birds fly high we can give them the sky so they can fly safe…n explore their creativity n their ambitions.
Agree, that’s how it should be 🙂
Sometimes I do wonder were the good old days really good or are todays day and age good..
People had smiles then now that smile is gone .. or maybe i am living in some parallel world
Interesting thought, Bikram. I think each generation has their own good days and of course the definition of good old days changes with each generation!
It’s so surprising that parents still have strong ideas about what their kids should and should not do in terms of career! I would have thought that we would have learnt our lesson by now and let them test their own wings!
Hmm… may be it’s because it’s tough to let go!
Interesting and filled with excellent advice. My biggest aspiration for my kids is to be happy. Find something you love and do it. Enjoy life, its the only one you have.
Your kids are so lucky to have you as a Mom, Kathy! I sooo agree with your attitude and aspirations for your kids ♥
the post is highly informative. even today in the 21st century there are parents, who want the child to become what they want. I definitely my child to become what she wants and I think I should do my homework regarding the finances and start saving from today onwards. I do not want my child to sacrifice the career of her choice just because I did not do my homework and save enough