We tell children to study hard, get good grades, make something of themselves, and stand on their own two feet. There is nothing wrong with saying this. Every parent wants their child to be successful. But sometimes, expectations become so overwhelming that the child stops thinking about success and starts thinking about survival.
By the time they reach the higher grades, the thought occupying their mind isn't “What do I want to become?”
Instead, it is:
“How can I earn money quickly?”
“When can I help reduce the household expenses?”
“Mom and Dad have done so much for me; when can I relieve them of this burden?”
And perhaps the saddest part is that parents often never even realize their child is thinking these things.
A child who should be at an age to explore life finds themselves feeling responsible for solving their family's financial problems instead of feeling excited about their own future. Consequently, career choices are sometimes driven not by passion, but by the urgency to earn an income.
“What’s the salary like?”
“How soon can I get a job?”
“When can I start earning after the course?”
Of course, financial stability is important. Reality cannot be ignored. Understanding one's parents' sacrifices isn't a bad thing, either. But there is a difference between being responsible and feeling responsible for everything.
A child should feel, “I need to build my own life.”
Not, “I need to save my family.”
Parental expectations can sometimes provide motivation, but when those expectations turn into guilt, the child stops dreaming their own dreams.
Maybe children don't always need less ambition from their parents. They just need the freedom to believe that their childhood is allowed to be a childhood—and their future doesn't have to be a repayment plan.
I have observed children around me, and through conversations with them or by noticing the little things they do, I’ve realized that many start thinking about money and household responsibilities at a very young age. I am not judging any parents, nor am I saying that it is wrong to have expectations of children.
I am simply sharing what I have observed and experienced in my surroundings. I might be wrong, but I felt it was important to talk about this topic.
Desclaimer: Images are AI Generated. Translator is also used for translation.
