The Hard Truth About Career Planning: Are Parents Truly Helping Their Children?

Recently, Aviya, a bright 8th-grade student, made an enquiry with Dheya to plan her career. Unfortunately, her voice was not heard. Despite her clear interest in arts and commercial applications, she was forced into the science stream as early as the 8th grade—an outcome of her father’s unilateral decision to plan her career without considering her aspirations.

When we reached out to her mother to offer professional guidance, the response was disheartening: “Her father has already planned her career, and we don’t need any services.” This is not just Aviya’s story—it’s the story of countless children in India, whose dreams are silenced by the well-meaning yet misguided authority of their parents.

The Silent Struggle of Students

Aviya’s situation sheds light on a harsh truth: career planning in many families is more about fulfilling parental ambitions than nurturing a child’s unique potential. In this process:

• The Child’s Voice is Ignored: The student’s interests, strengths, and dreams are sidelined.
• Parents Act on Assumptions: Career choices are based on outdated stereotypes of success rather than an understanding of the child’s capabilities or the changing job market.
• The Pressure is Overwhelming: Children like Aviya bear the emotional and mental toll of living up to plans they had no role in creating.

Why This Mindset Must Change

Career planning is not about dictating a path—it’s about discovering one. Ignoring a child’s individuality in this process is a disservice not only to their future but also to their mental and emotional well-being. Parents must ask themselves:

1. Whose Dream is Being Pursued? Is this career plan about your child’s happiness and fulfillment, or is it about your expectations?
2. Will They Thrive Under Pressure? Forcing a child into a field they dislike often results in resentment, underperformance, or burnout.
3. Are You Prepared for the Consequences? A dissatisfied career choice can lead to long-term unhappiness, emotional distress, and wasted potential.

Empowering Children to Shape Their Future

Parents have an invaluable role in their child’s career journey—but it should be one of guidance, not control. Here’s how:

• Listen to Your Child: Understand their interests, strengths, and dreams without judgment.
• Get Professional Support: Career mentoring helps identify opportunities aligned with a child’s strengths and aspirations, backed by scientific assessments and expert advice.
• Collaborate, Don’t Dictate: Career planning should be a team effort, where both parents and children work together to chart a fulfilling path.

The reality is, Aviya may pursue the career her father has planned, but will she thrive? Will she feel fulfilled? Parents, the choice is yours: to hear your child’s voice now or to watch them struggle later. True success lies in enabling children to follow their own dreams, not in forcing them to live someone else’s.