Balancing ambitions: Supporting children with stress-free career exploration

"This Is The Last Option": 18-Year-Old Student Dies By Suicide In Kota

The 18-year-old from Kota's Borkheda area, was preparing for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and was found hanging at her residence. Despite the family's prompt response and immediate hospitalization, she was declared dead upon arrival. The police also recovered a suicide note along with the student's body.

"Mummy, Papa, I can't do JEE. So I suicide [sic]. I am a loser [sic]. I worst daughter [sic]. Sorry Mummy, Papa. This is the last option I have," read the letter.

Dear Readers,?

High parental expectations and pressure, when not managed effectively, can lead to various negative outcomes such as heightened stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of failure, burnout, strained parent-child relationships, and in extreme cases suicide. In this newsletter, we’ll explore how vital it is for parents to understand their children's careers without undue pressure and bust some myths regarding the same.????????

Things you can do to better understand your child’s perspective, resulting in a decision that benefits everyone:

• Promote open communication between parents and children to be aware of their child's emotional state.
• Practice active listening to genuinely understand your child's thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
• Put yourself in your child's shoes to better empathize with their experiences and emotions.
• Acknowledge and respect your child's individuality.
• Encourage your child to seek help when needed and let them know it's okay to talk to a counselor or helpline.
• Practice patience; understanding your child's perspective is a continual process that takes time and effort.

Is prioritizing a child's well-being more valuable than pushing them toward a career that might not suit their abilities or aspirations?

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate assistance from mental health professionals, helplines, or local authorities.

Helpline numbers:

National Career Service Toll Free Helpline: 1800-425-1514

Tele MANAS, NIMHANS: 14416 / 1800-89-14416