Parents play a crucial role in shaping the career choices of their children. Despite their level of education, parents have a significant influence on their children’s career paths. The best approach to fulfilling this role is to acknowledge that no one knows everything in life. Wise living involves seeking guidance from those with expertise in areas where you lack knowledge, emphasizing the concept of interdependence.
Dr. Stephen Covey, in his renowned book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” suggests that highly effective individuals are interdependent rather than solely dependent or independent. They are like colonies of individuals who support, integrate, and coordinate with one another.
When parents lack knowledge about certain vocational skills, it is advisable for them to assist their children in finding a mentor, career counselor, or life coach who possesses the necessary expertise. This can be especially valuable when schools are closed, and children are at home during holidays. Resourceful individuals who can guide children through life’s complexities can be found in various settings, such as church services, counseling centers, or online platforms.
Conversely, when parents have knowledge about specific career fields, they can provide valuable guidance to their children. Job shadowing, which involves exposing children to professionals in their desired fields, is a valuable way to help children learn the ropes. Professional parents can create opportunities to confer with their children about career choices.
Parents should ideally be involved in career discussions before their children select subjects at Form Two level or choose college courses at Form Four level. To succeed, parents must be ready to fulfill their responsibilities without neglecting their duties.
Parents should engage in in-depth discussions with their children regarding the right career choices, helping them explore the world of work and make career decisions independently. Parents should avoid trying to force their children into careers they do not want.
In many cases, parents with limited career information may try to steer their children into fields they once considered but could not pursue. They may mistakenly believe that certain careers are hereditary or that their children should follow in their footsteps. However, effective parenting involves recognizing the uniqueness of each child. The strength of a family lies in its diversity, not in uniformity.
Additionally, parents can enhance their children’s careers by instilling in them principles, values, attitudes, mindset, and beliefs. They should help their children discover their innate talents, develop their gifts, and acquire valuable skills, as success in life goes beyond mere book knowledge.
Parents also play a vital role by providing resourceful materials to their children. Many career mistakes occur due to a lack of knowledge, and parents can mitigate this by providing access to informative books on career choices. For example, the “Essential Career Guide” by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is a valuable resource. Children can also benefit from self-help books to aid in personal discovery and development.
Ultimately, parents shape their children’s future careers by showing a genuine interest in their education. Some parents neglect their children’s education by delaying fee payments or failing to provide necessary academic tools. Others overlook the importance of morality, spirituality, discipline, and character development. In cases where children go astray, parents must not side with them blindly, as this can hinder their career development. Moreover, parents should be concerned about their children’s academic progress and success, as poor performance can adversely affect their careers.
In conclusion, parents’ role in their children’s career choices is indispensable. By recognizing their responsibility and embracing interdependence, parents can guide their children toward successful and fulfilling careers.
© Victor Ochieng’
The writer rolls out career talks and training services. He offers one-on-one career counselling, coaching and mentorship services at the Penman Centre in Nairobi. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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