Sometimes it is hard for parents to understand their children, and it is as hard for the children to understand their parents too.
There are many things which children are supposed to follow whatever their parents say, and are not supposed to be given freedom to choose their own way, but things such as plans for their future, are not one.
Many parents still embrace conventional thoughts and a stereotype that: whatever parents think are always the best for their children, they want their children to receive the best and so their children have to follow whatever the parents' words are.
From the view of a child, I suggest parents of conventional type to be more lenient in the following ways:
Throw off stereotypes, open up closed minds
Parents should open up their minds, try to discharge stereotypes such as "being an artist leads you to uncertainity in income unlike doctors whose earnings are stable", and try to accept ideas such as "job satisfaction is more important and more valuable than monetary reward obtained from doing the job".
Know your children
Parents are also suggested to observe their children carefully, notice their talents, help them in developing their talents, and support their work. Children also should be given the opportunity to express themselves and to prove their true talents and capabilities. Don't be afraid when children say they want to study something that they're interested in, but sounds odd to the parents ears, taking an example, entomology. Jobs are always available out there for each and every field to those are hardworking in the field.
Guide, not dictate
Parents are adviced not to force their children to opt for something they feel is "right". They need to give guidance and suggestions, keep their children on the right track, but not dictate their children what to do. For example, parents might suggest the child a profession, such as doctor, tell the child the benefits of being one, but not forcing him to become a doctor. Parents should also continuously remind their children to avoid illegal jobs and jobs that might get oneself trapped in troubles, such as selling illegal drugs or liquors, no matter how big the money earned. Being given the right guidance and suggestions regarding their future, children will be able to plan their future in a right way.
A degree is not everything
Higher education is needed for those who would like to become professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, architects, or engineers. It also helps in serving itself as a foundation to become successful entrepreneurs. However, not everyone wants to get involved in the white collar jobs. Many prefer simpler jobs, more of skills rather than bookish knowledge, name it chef, bartender, art performers, mechanics, etc. It's not that these jobs are easy and don't need any special courses to be able to carry out those jobs.
Trainings and courses are there, but they are usually available in shorter study period and more of practicals, unlike studying in universities, and these courses normally are not present in universities or colleges, only available in vocational colleges or special training centres. As long as they undergo trainings, possessing a degree or not doesn't really matter to them or to the employers. Even there are many cases, especially in developing countries, where unemployment takes place even to those with degrees, because of very tough competitions, or where most of the people in the labour force are underemployed.
Trust your children
Don't worry too much about them. You've given them enough guidance, suggestions, and have made them clear about what is good and what is bad, it's time to trust your children in doing whatever they think is right. While observing how the children progress in the path they have chosen, parents should also give continuous support, advices, and suggestions where needed, to always keep the children on the right track.
The above suggestions are hoped to make parents understand the children better. When parents are able to understand their children completely, children will feel appreciated, satisfied, and are motivated to work better for success, at the same time keep walking on the right track. And the success of a child will certainly be the success of his parents too.
