“Don’t prepare the path for the child; rather, prepare the child for the path.”
Picture this: It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon. The family sits around the dining table when 17-year-old Ananya announces, “I think I want to become a wildlife filmmaker.” Her father raises an eyebrow, her mother nervously sips her tea, and then comes the question: “But is that even a real career?”
This moment, when dreams collide with doubt, is where many families find themselves stuck. The tension is familiar: parents want the best for their children, but sometimes, in trying to protect them, they unknowingly overstep.
So, how can parents support their child’s career choices without suffocating their individuality? The answer lies in a delicate balance of emotional support, exposure to professional career guidance, and trust in their evolving interests.
Let’s dive into it.
Understand the New Career Shift: It’s Not 1995 Anymore
The days when “success” equated to a few noble professions – doctor, engineer, banker, or government officer – are long gone.
Today’s career world is fast, flexible, and full of surprises:
- Influencer Marketing is a billion-dollar industry.
- AI and Data Science are rewriting job descriptions.
People make careers in eSports, ethical hacking, UX design, and even space law.
Here’s the catch: Parents often view careers through the lens of stability, while Gen Z and Gen Alpha value meaning, creativity, and autonomy.
Instead of saying, “That won’t earn you a living,” ask, “How can you turn that into a sustainable path?”
Quick Tip: Watch documentaries like “The Social Dilemma or Abstract: The Art of Design with your child.” You will be amazed at the career stories that spark from there.
Your Child is Not Your Second Chance
Sometimes, without realizing it, parents try to live their unfulfilled dreams through their children. Maybe you always wanted to be an architect and now push your child toward design school, even if they are most passionate about wildlife photography or psychology.
Here is the truth: your child is not a redo of your own life. They are writing a story you have never read before.
Instead of saying, “I wish I had this opportunity, don’t waste it”, try, “This is your life – let’s figure out what’s fruitful for you.”
3. Listen Without a Lecture
Let’s face it: Teenagers shut down when they sense judgment.
Instead of rushing to conclusions or advice, try active listening. This means being fully present, not interrupting, and showing empathy, even when you disagree.
Ask:
- What makes you excited about this field?
- What is that one thing that made you rethink your career choice recently?
This way, you are inviting reflection rather than dictating direction.
Pro Tip: One of the most empowering things a parent can say is: “Tell me more about what you are thinking; I want to understand.”
Be the Compass, Not the GPS
You have probably heard this metaphor, but it’s gold.
A GPS gives fixed directions. A compass? It helps you navigate the unknown. In the career world, there is rarely a single “correct” path anymore.
Your job is to instill values: curiosity, discipline, resilience, and adaptability. Let your child use those values to steer their own ship.
Encourage Experimentation:
- A summer course in graphic design
- Volunteering at a local NGO
- Interning at a marketing agency
- Starting a YouTube Channel
Every step adds a brushstroke to their canvas.
Normalize Trial and Error
Here is something few parents admit – it’s okay if your child changes their mind.
Many successful people didn’t figure it out in one go:
- Steve Jobs dropped out of college
- Oprah Winfrey was once told she was “unfit for TV.”
- Virat Kohli was almost kicked out of his academy for low fitness.
Trying something and then pivoting is not failure – it’s learning.
Let your child try, fail, and retry. It builds grit, and that is worth more than a perfect plan.
Let the Experts Help: Career Counselling is Not a Last Resort
Career Guidance is not just for the “confused” student. It is a strategic tool for clarity, exposure, and confidence.
Attend a session with your child. Get to know modern assessments like:
- Psychometric testing
- Interest-Aptitude-Personality alignment
- Career mapping based on future industry needs.
This shows your child that you are interested, not just invested. You are not saying, “Do this because I said so,” but rather, “Let’s explore what fits you best.”
Bonus Tip: Get to the career counselling institutes that offer both student and parent counselling sessions for shared agreement.
Shift the Language, Shift the Dynamic
Sometimes, it’s not what we say but how we say it that creates resistance.
Replace these common lines:
❌ – You won’t earn from that.
✅ – Let’s look at how people in this field make a living.
❌ – You have to take science. Arts has no future.
✅ – Let’s explore the pros and cons of each stream together.
❌ – I know what is best for you.
✅ – I want what’s best for you. Let’s figure out what that looks like.
Respect brings trust. And trust opens doors to honest conversations.
From Parenting to Partnering
The ultimate goal? Becoming a career partner, not a career planner.
Here is how you do it:
- Celebrate effort, not just results.
- Value soft skills like communication, time management, and networking.
- Discuss mental health and burnout.
- Encourage balance: academics + hobbies + rest.
Also, expose them to real-world experiences:
- Invite friends from various fields for casual career chats
- Visit workplaces
- Watch interviews with professionals on YouTube or podcasts
Let career talks be part of your home’s rhythm, not a stressful event.
Real Parent, Real Story
“My son wanted to study culinary arts. At first, I was devastated. But we attended a career counselling seminar together. Today, he is a chef-in-training at a five-star hotel in Singapore, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Final Thoughts: Trust the Roots You Have Nurtured
As parents, you have done the hardest job – giving your children roots. Now, give them wings.
Trust that your love, your guidance, and your values will carry them forward, even if the path looks unfamiliar to you.
Because the real success is not having your child follow a script, it’s watching them write their own.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” – Margaret Mead
Want to explore your child’s potential together? Get consultation with the certified career counselling institutes and take the first step towards informed, empowered decisions, as a team.
