“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein.

This quote just aptly describes one of the most important things the parents of today should know and imbibe.

The biggest challenge the children of today are facing is that we as a society are imposing generalized rules on all the kids. A certain way of behavior is good, some careers are only good, children should opt for a certain few careers only, all children must be interested in some art and some sport, whether they have the aptitude or not- all the children must score in math and science- these and many generalizations are being thrown at the children right from the childhood. 

Interestingly our education system insists on each child learning the same curriculum irrespective of whether they can make any sense of it or not. The grading is also done on a similar scale. Those scoring high are celebrated as ‘good’ students while those who are not able to manage decent marks are criticized and labeled to be ‘bad’ students and made to believe that they have no ‘future’.

Many parents are so obsessed with the idea of ‘big four careers’ being the only good ones that they big time ignore the real talents of the child. They do not mind their child becoming a very ordinary say, engineer rather than becoming an extraordinary artist or something that he/she is really good at.

I frequently meet students who have been forced to take the IIT entrance classes, CA foundation, Engineering Colleges. They are miserable because of how much ever they try they cannot comprehend the subjects like someone who has a real aptitude for the same subjects. Parents, instead of understanding the limitations of the children, keep blaming them for not putting in enough hard work.

We need to re-focus. We need to understand that every person is not made of every career or trade. I am not saying that just let the child be. Help them. They need guidance. But help them scientifically by using the internet for research or by taking the help of an experienced Counselor. Understand them, help them understand themselves. Make time for this process, don’t just force your child into some career that some friend of yours has suggested.

Every child is unique. Help them achieve their highest potential.

If you believe this can help someone, do share. To connect with me for your child's scientific Career Counseling WhatsApp on 8446229088 from wherever you are in the world.

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