Dear Parents,
This is something to think about- it’s the 21st Century and while we’re ordering groceries with a single click and making Instagram reels on every random thought, our parenting in India mindset is still stuck in 1990! You know, the era of “Sharma-ji ka beta” comparisons, and the one-size fits all career approach!
Let’s unpack why this mentality needs to go extinct (like floppy disks and phone booths) and what you can do instead to help your child truly succeed in life!
Mistake 1- The Problem Begins Early
As soon as kids step into Nursery, the pressure starts! Parents expect them to excel in every subject- whether they like it or not. And if they score a little less in science, math or any subject, the comparison starts:
– “Tiwari-ji ki beti topper hai”
– “Humare Zamane me…”
– …& much more!
And as a result, A young brain absorbs all this negativity which leads to Academic stress, Jealousy, unnecessary competition and “not being good enough” starts to creep in.
And as they grow up, they end up living a life based on what others expect, not what they actually want!
Mistake 2- Staying Stuck in “Conventional Career” Bubble
Understand this, not every kid is meant to be an engineer or get a government job. But somehow, a lot of parents still think that these are the only “safe” career options.
The moment a child says they’re interested in something different or an unconventional career path, the question starts:
- “Isme career hai kya? (is there any career in this?)”
- “Kya stable job milegi? (will you get a stable job?)”
This mindset is one big reason why so many young Indians are struggling with their mental health.
According to NCRB’s 2022 data, over 13,000 students in India died by suicide due to academic stress. That’s 36 students every day!
Think about this for a minute.
Forcing your child in a career they don’t like is like asking a fish to climb the tree. Sure, they will try, but will never succeed – or be happy!
And if you are thinking that “they’ll adjust eventually”, think again. Ignoring their passions doesn’t just affect their mental health- but it will affect your relationship with them as well. The constant arguments, silent dinners and passive aggressive remarks can destroy the bond you have with your child.
Let’s take the example of Chetan Bhagat, a bestselling author who redefined Indian English Literature. Guess what? He’s an IIT graduate and holds an MBA from IIM – basically the kind of career path most parents dream of for their children.
But did he stay in the conventional corporate office? NO. After spending years in investment banking, he realized that his true passion was writing!
But even after a doubt about his choice, he went on to write books that sold millions, and were turned into Bollywood blockbusters!
Mistake 3- Not Letting Them Explore their Passion
Okay, here’s a new idea- what if you let your child choose what they want to do? It might sound a little scary, but think about it.
You don’t have to stop guiding them- just change the way you do it. Instead of controlling, become a supporter, Invest time in career guidance to help them align their interests
For example:
- If your child loves drawing, why not enroll them in a graphic design workshop?
- If they like storytelling, explore options like filmmaking or creative writing,
- If they’re good with technology, careers like digital marketing, UX design or even ethical hacking could be great options
When children have the option to explore what they’re passionate about, they’re more likely to find a career that excites them. And yes, they can still earn a good salary. Because careers in these fields are growing today!
Let’s rewind to the 1980s or 90s. Back then, hobbies like Cricket or music were often brushed off as ‘time pass’. But look now, those fields are thriving!
Sachin Tendular became the God of Cricket, and A.R. Rehman’s music made him a global icon and one of the richest music composers! Imagine if their parents had forced them into ‘safe’ careers.
Today, these unconventional career paths not only thrive but they also bring financial success.
Balance is the Key!
However, this doesn’t mean you should let your kids do whatever they want. As a parent, you have an important role in guiding them! Keep track of their school homework and activities, suggest viable career options for students and step in if they are in the wrong direction!
A balanced approach to career guidance can help connect your child’s dreams with their achievable goals.
There is a difference between guidance and controlling. Instead of telling them what to do, help them explore.
Let them talk to people in different professions to understand what work life is really like! Thinking that corporate jobs or government jobs are always perfect without understanding challenges can lead to disappointment.
We Can Help You!
With the right balance, children can succeed in both – their studies and in their personal growth. That’s where a well-rounded curriculum comes in.
At Cyboard School, we combine strong academics with a variety of extracurricular activities. Along with the main subjects, students also learn important life skills like-
- Basic Skills: Cooking (because it is not just for girls!), Basic finance, and more
- Extracurriculars: Dance, Music, Creative writing, coding & more
- Exploration: Third language options, and more
We also include career guidance in our approach to help students confidently find their way to a bright future!
Because at the end of the day, what matters the most is seeing your child happy, in good mental health, and thriving- not stuck in a job they dislike. The choice is yours.
This is how you can be the parent that your child needs – one who values their passion! Let’s redefine parenting in India for the better, one step at a time.
Share this blog with fellow parents, because together we can start a movement towards more balanced, meaningful education and career planning!
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