As soon as a child starts his or her education, most parents already start making a plan in their mind for the future of their children. Parents play a proactive role and help the child understand the various educational fields and their benefits. They can mold their children accordingly. Parents not only motivate their children but also help them in the decision-making process.
Parents want nothing but the best for their children; they are concerned about their children’s happiness and success in life. Students feel supported, loved and realise their parents are involved and concerned about their careers; pushing them even further to make the right choice at times. .
The role of parents in choosing a career for their children is immense. They determine the level of education or training that their children achieve, the knowledge about work and different occupations, their beliefs and attitude towards work that is largely dependent on their parents for information and the motivation they provide to drive them towards success. It is a known fact that children absorb their parent’s outlook and approach as they grow up.
Role of Parents in Choosing a Career for Class 8 and 9 Students
In a world of competition, it is important to start your child early. Career planning for class 8 and 9 students can help them progress with a fixed goal in mind. If you have a structured plan, it helps you stay more focused but at the same time does not mean you cannot change it along the way. Assure your child that he/she can always pursue his/her interest and does not have to hesitate about it. Only then he/she will not feel the pressure and be able to unleash and explore his/her full potential.
Most kids usually have that first thought on who or what they want to be in the future, while others just go with the flow. Moral support is much-needed in setting career goals because most of the time you are not sure about the challenges ahead.
When helping a child choose a career path, parents should simply think about the things that their child loves to do and also things that they are naturally good at; their aptitude. If a child pursues a career that aligns with his/her passions, then the path to success will become easier. Parents can also consult teachers for feedback on their child’s strengths and weaknesses, as insights from teachers are crucial because they know their students through and through.
7 Steps to an Effective Career Plan
- Explain to your child that identifying career options is the first step towards career planning. You must make a list of career options once you have closely examined your field of interests, skills and values. You must review them well enough, consider the option of career counselling online and talk to professionals in the field.
- Help your child narrow down the list of options and priorities based on a psychometric assessment and then filter options based on what is the most important to your child, be it location, family-friendly benefits or salary.
- Since parents are more familiar with the job market and current trends, they should factor in questions like what is the current demand for a particular field and how the career will progress in a Dynamic technologically advancing world. Parents should also consider if their child is comfortable with the risks. Other questions to consider could be the qualifications required to enter the field and will any additional training be useful. Take advice and information from friends, colleagues and family members.
- Parents and their children can also seek help from career guidance professionals. These counsellors are on top of all the latest trends in the job industry and can provide reliable help in picking the right career path based on an individual’s aptitude, Interest, personality and other important factors.
- Parents can also help their children set smart and attainable goals. Once you’ve helped your child identify the different career options, develop a plan of action to implement this decision. You must help your child set specific, relevant, time-bound and short-term goals before moving on to the long-term goals. Help your child understand the importance of being realistic about timelines and staying organised and focused.
- Many teens think career planning starts from college, which is not the case because high school is a critical time when your child can still shape his/her goals. This is when students need to start working hard for it and start aiming for it right from high school. More so, the current times also require students to not just work on academics, but also gain exposure in terms of extracurriculars and co-curriculars that will help them strengthen their skill set for a particular career, build personality and make path to career discovery. Parents can enroll their children in special classes to help them get into a college programme and one that enhances their career choice. It gives them a head start in life.
- Parents need to also consider online and digital learning which offers extra value at any stage of their career. Whether your child is in school, college, at work or seeking a promotion, online learning can improve his/her skills, making your child more marketable to employers.
Conclusion
Apart from these, there are a few other things parents must keep in mind when preparing their children for the future. After all, the role of parents in choosing a career is important and significant.
It is extremely important to monitor your child’s interests, observe your child, follow the screen and attend his/her online classes at times. Be interactive, ask him/her questions about the lessons he/she attended, and listen to him/her.
Too much screen time can cause unnecessary strain, headaches and even behavioral changes in children. Set aside a time for each activity; develop their interest in reading, games, and physical activities. Sometimes get involved and make their homework fun, making sure that your child has a comfortable learning zone.
It is extremely important that you should allow children to interact with their friends regularly. Especially in times like these when we are stuck amidst a pandemic, it is a great idea to stay in touch with others, digitally.
At Mindler, we always aim to make sure that your child gets the perfect career. So, if you think that your child needs career guidance, take the help of our Career Counsellors, so that they achieve their desired goal.
