"Is Our Education, Our Choice" or "Parents' Choice?" - Page 3

Originally posted by: bizistech54

This is such an important and timely topic—especially as many students and families are making big decisions right now. Personally, I believe education should be a collaborative decision between students and parents. While parents bring wisdom, life experience, and a deep understanding of what's practical or sustainable, students bring passion, curiosity, and a sense of purpose about their future. Yes, education is a foundation of opportunity—but it should also reflect a student's identity, interests, and aspirations, not just societal expectations or job market trends. Forcing a student into a field they have no interest in can lead to burnout or regret, even if the career is considered "safe" or prestigious. That said, I also understand why parents want to be involved—they care, they worry, and they want the best for their kids. But in the end, it’s the student who has to walk that path, study those subjects, and live that life. So, to answer the question: If you're a student, speak up—explain your dreams and the "why" behind them. If you're a parent, listen actively—support your child in exploring what truly lights them up. Because the best results happen when guidance meets self-discovery.

Giving children choices helps them feel like they have some power and control over what they do. It's a step in growing up. Everything isn't planned for them. Making good choices is a skill that children will use for the rest of their lives.

In every house, parents play a crucial role in their children's education, acting as foundational influences that significantly impact academic success, social-emotional development, and lifelong learning. Active parental involvement creates a supportive home environment, fosters a positive attitude towards learning, and enhances a child's overall well-being.

Parents should be involved, but not at the expense of student needs and professional educators’ input

Back during my time I wanted to pursue the arts stream because i was terrible in STEM subjects. When I went to my dad and i told him i didn't want to pursue science stream, he was very chill about it. Only thing that he responded to me with was "Ok. But what would you do after you finish your 12th standard?". That's were I stuck. None in our family or relatives belonged to the arts stream with a well paid job. So, I ended up choosing science eventually because I felt I could rely on career help from my parents/relatives later on if i required. I don't regret my decision at all.

So, I believe that it totally depends on how passionate your child is about what they're demanding to pursue, to know whether they are fully aware of the academic pressure, and then about the job hunting (to some extent) and of course the scope it provides. If they know about it, have made at least some research and are willing to be happy with low paid jobs/narrowed career options in this economy, then the parents should definitely support them. Else, they need to do the one thing that's missing in majority of Indian households - sit, talk and discuss calmly.

The majority of our members stated that, with parental guidance, youngsters should express their opinions openly, and that only via talks would a final choice be reached.

Most of us benefited from our parents' guidance.

I wanted to pursue a career in the humanities. Our family's profession is law, and my brother happily followed in the footsteps of my parents. However, I felt it was uncomfortable for me and not a viable professional path. Finally, I decided to continue with the science faculty and continued my studies. I got a job and married, and relocated to a new place. My son was born, and I took care of him until he was three years old.

But my burning desire to study humanities still persisted, for that, I enrolled myself in my favorite disciplines, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology, one after the other.

Here's a fascinating fact: my mother insisted on paying my university fees, stating, "I know, your father will happily pay the fees, your husband will comfortably pay the fees, and you can pay your fees with glee; it is my privilege to pay for you, so leave it to me, let me feel happy." She paid my university costs year after year with pride.

Yes, after marriage and having a son, I continued my education with passion and enthusiasm.

In between, a few comic interludes, every time, while entering the examination hall, my son used to shout 'Mummeee..tata.. bye bye,' and all the other young students in the hall would teasingly smile at me! He used to leave me at Sydenham College for exams while he roamed along Marine Drive with the kid for those 3 hours!

Once, while entering the examination hall, the watchman shouted at me , "Na naa, only for students, sisters and mothers are not allowed to enter the premises!"

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. Learning is a lifelong process.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Yes my mother also did her BEd after I was born.

I brought this topic to my mother today, told her I wish she’d been strict with me and pushed me to do more. I dropped subjects like a hat and switched lanes multiple times so I told I wish she’d forced me into a lane and yes I maybe wouldn’t have liked her then but I would’ve hopefully understood that she did it for my betterment rather than just saying - do whatever makes me happy when I really couldn’t make a decision then about my future. While I’m content and happy now where I am, I still wished I pursued my initial childhood dream of being a teacher like my mum. She said to me it’s never too late and she’d pursued her career after her marriage and had me and sister to take care of as well. She was 18 then though - I feel it’s late for me now because I don’t think I have the mental capacity and energy as I did back then 🤣

As a parent, im gonna share my views.

Normally parents try to live their life through their kids..they want their children to fulfill their dreams , also they believe that children ar not capable enough to take such big decisions , there's lack of awareness too amongst the children & the parents ..also theres a factor of conpetition & jealousy..so and so child did this so you have to do it too..comparisons always has the opposite effect on children .....so in some cases , if they nudge the kids to a specific field they might be very successful at it , or the opposite is also possible.

It's very important for the parents to realize they are trying to pressure their children..be it at school level (marks ranks extra curricular) or college level (coaching , entrance exams , and career ) . It's imp to have open communication & the child must be assured that even if they fail at what they're trying to do , there are other options too ..

As a child , they are confused at their age ..while some of them confidently take up what they want to do , some of them find it hard to convince their parents while some get into the unwanted areas & suffer..here finances of parents is a major factor..parents invest their lifes earnings in their children's education & later their marriage ..nowadays both r shaky arenas..

So what's the solution? There's career counseling if the child is confused ..also it is possible for the children to change their field if they aren't happy...our education system also needs to change & awareness needs to be there for children ...they need to study those subjects (let's say after 6th or 7th grade ) , which interests them..bec more than half of what they learn is wasted n is more of mugging up information which one can easily find through chatgpt

Not every child has to take up medical or engineering or ias ..there r lots of creative fields where its possible to earn a lot ..like music , sports , or anything else ..I know it needs to be promoted well but in the coming time , may be we'll reach there..do we not need farmers ? Do we not need to study agriculture ? Do we not need to study carpentry ? Embroidery? Painting ? Unfortunately its a choice only for a selected few & i hope itll change with coming time..

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

With so many courses available that cover every possible field of knowledge and opportunity, is it appropriate to study something our parents do not want us to study? Is it considered disrespectful to our parents to choose our favorite course instead of following their judgment? In turn, by limiting our ambitions and objectives, will we be able to concentrate on our studies, despite our desire?

Well, I feel that everyone should be able to demonstrate their abilities in the field of their choice. Suppressing dreams will only result in dissatisfaction for both the child and the parents.

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

The majority of our members stated that, with parental guidance, youngsters should express their opinions openly, and that only via talks would a final choice be reached.

Most of us benefited from our parents' guidance.

I wanted to pursue a career in the humanities. Our family's profession is law, and my brother happily followed in the footsteps of my parents. However, I felt it was uncomfortable for me and not a viable professional path. Finally, I decided to continue with the science faculty and continued my studies. I got a job and married, and relocated to a new place. My son was born, and I took care of him until he was three years old.

But my burning desire to study humanities still persisted, for that, I enrolled myself in my favorite disciplines, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology, one after the other.

Here's a fascinating fact: my mother insisted on paying my university fees, stating, "I know, your father will happily pay the fees, your husband will comfortably pay the fees, and you can pay your fees with glee; it is my privilege to pay for you, so leave it to me, let me feel happy." She paid my university costs year after year with pride.

Yes, after marriage and having a son, I continued my education with passion and enthusiasm.

In between, a few comic interludes, every time, while entering the examination hall, my son used to shout 'Mummeee..tata.. bye bye,' and all the other young students in the hall would teasingly smile at me! He used to leave me at Sydenham College for exams while he roamed along Marine Drive with the kid for those 3 hours!

Once, while entering the examination hall, the watchman shouted at me , "Na naa, only for students, sisters and mothers are not allowed to enter the premises!"

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. Learning is a lifelong process.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti.

I am not a parent, lol

But I must say I understand everything and the emotions that plays in parents minds . My mum once held my hand crying and told me she wants me to be super educated so I could shame my relatives and all those that think women can't be great . She really had a tough life , worked for others but never herself and didnt get the means to a good education.

So I understood, all those times she was pushing me to study hard was because she wanted my bright future but she never placed her decision on me about what course to study , infact my lovely mum told me if I want to study agriculture she will support me because we all eat at some point 😭😭😭😭😭 those words really touched me

Now she is also studying and really hard once she gets her degree we will choke my uncles with it . Lol 🤣🤣