OPINION

Mr and Mrs Bello just had a baby girl and during the naming ceremony, the new father proudly announced to everyone who cared to listen that he was going to make sure she became a medical doctor! Now the question is, what if the little girl grows up and wants to become a fashion designer? This scenario is not uncommon in our society, as parents and guardians sometimes feel they should be the ones to choose a career path for their kids/wards.

Having intelligent kids is a blessing and some parents think that because their kids do very well in some school subjects at the elementary level, they have some kind of insight as to what the kids are supposed to major in for their tertiary education. From their kids' secondary education, some parents make it their duty to advice, push and influence the children's career path to their own preference.

The truth about this course of action, is that some parents or guardians who aspired to be something or become a particular professional as children, but could not achieve that dream for themselves, pass on the same dream to their kids without caring if the kids have any interest in such field. Even though they may be good in the subjects relating to the course of study, as they have every intention of living vicariously through their kids.

Although, some people may see nothing wrong with this trend, but it is good for parents and guardians to take time out to consider the fact that their kids or wards may not be interested in pursuing their choice of a career path, due to the fact that they may have interests that appeal to them. Everyone has a particular field that appeals to them and parents should allow their kids choose career paths that better suit them.

Another reason why parents would want to choose careers for their kids is because, to them, the people in that field, make a lot of money, hence, the reason for their meddling. For instance, in this part of the world, professional footballers and entertainers are perceived to be extremely wealthy, so some parents use words and actions to push their children into those fields, whether they have the talent and willpower to do well or not.

One thing parents and guardians should realize is that, their children are the ones who will pursue these careers, so they should be allowed to pursue the path they can handle and which will make them happy, no matter the financial rewards. Late Professor Chinua Achebe, a literary legend, may not have been one of the richest men in the world, but he was known worldwide and opened the doorway for other prolific writers in Africa. That is greatness and the reward that comes from allowing people engage in what makes them happy, at the same time, satisfying the needs of people.

There have been cases of people pursuing a degree just for the sake of their parents, after which they abandon the certificates to pursue their heart's desires, leaving their parents devastated. Just think how much headache would have been avoided if the parents had allowed them do what they love in the first place.

Dorothy Atsu, an educationist, is of the view that children should be given a chance to excel wherever their heart is. "Parents should give them the necessary support and allow them to choose their careers, regardless of their own reservations, they should only do their part by offering advice and encouragement," she said.

There are no shortcuts to fulfillment. Allow your children pave their own way to greatness, avoid meddling in their choice of a career or vocation. Every destiny is different.

Eremionkhale , a youth corp member, writes from Minna.