Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Is it better to chose and drive your child into a career or let them pick and let them chase it themselves?

If you're the driven parent you'll find out all you can, sign them up to anything and everything linked to their desired role, you'll attend and cheer them on.

But if you're the laid back parent, you'll let the child decide what they want to do. When they do you'll wish them well, if they invite you to things you might turn up.
But if they need it you'll offer them encouragement.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

Threepio

I like to think that as a parent I'm pretty laid back. However, your question is very valid.

I found myself (many years ago) urging my oldest to go into the same branch of the military that I served in vice the branch he was initially lured to. I justified that by telling him that his mother would never sign the papers that "allowed" him to be put in harms way. It worked out well for him as he did sign up for the same branch I had been in and has done rather well for himself.

So...while it worked for me/us.... I wouldn't recommend for any parent to focus their energies on that. With my youngest, I took a more laid back approach and let him find his own way, providing guidance only when needed.

SO... I'm in the "Let them find their own way" camp...

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Threepio I've struggled to find my way in life.
My mum works in a good job, but never shared the details really as to what she does. She often moaned and complained about her job which I found rather repulsive. Also Her response to me asking questions about anything was go and look it up. Consequently it left me feeling really uncomfortable with talking to others about anything I was thinking about especially surrounding work/networking etc.

I can see now why some of my peers said I was stupid. I had no clue. I was always just trying stuff just to see and enduring some of the harshest environments that just didn't fit.
Had I had been better prepared not just from reading a book I may have done better.

My dad he's a different kind of person, had I spent more time with him I'd have done better at knowing things.

Tbh they weren't the most supportive of parents

smiler2012 · 56-60

{@mellowgirl] i think personally you should let them path out there own destiny .be there to advice and always encourage . if you are a pushy parent you may push your kids that is not right for them and they hate

Mamapolo2016 · F

There's a middle ground, which includes suggestions and help in finding out about careers your child expresses interest in - but never forcing.

My definition of a good parent is one who wants their child to be productive and contributing - and who likes what they're doing.

4meAndyou · F

The only thing I really wanted for my child was that he be happy...and graduate from high school. He did graduate from high school...but I don't think he is anything approaching happy.

He is, career wise, doing great. But he says he hates everyone. And if he calls me it's like a miracle.

Dlrannie · 31-35, F

My parents never guided me or my sisters in to our respective careers but have always offered unceasing help and support in achieving our successes🙂

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Dlrannie 🤗

Beatbox34 · 31-35, M

Encourage them to make the right decision regarding the career. That requires a parent to be attentive towards their child in the first place.

BananaBrown · 41-45, F

I would never and have never pushed my kids into anything they really didn’t want to do.
You can bet I still show up to everything and cheer them on 100%.

bijouxbroussard · F

I can’t see how it’s better to drive anyone into a career, unless it’s certain that that’s the children’s choice.

Add a comment...