Hundreds of thousands of parents today have children who require additional assistance academically, emotionally, or both. For these parents, concerns are never far away that their child will battle in the world of the future, and that they might not ultimately achieve personal and career success.
But an educational psychologist says parents need to change the paradigm through which they view success, as many are still focused on ideas about what constituted becoming a successful adult in the past, rather than embracing a world of new opportunities that are constantly emerging.
“In the past, and unfortunately among some people until now, there was this perception that if your child is not studying to be a medical doctor or a lawyer, then they haven’t made it,” says Dr Greg Pienaar, renowned Educational Psychologist and Principal of The Bridge Assisted Learning School, which supports students facing challenges unrelated to cognitive ability.
“Everyone has a future in terms of a passion or career, so if your child is not specifically focused on academic matters, then there are literally thousands of other career paths to follow. And these career paths are not inferior, they are just different,” he says. “So, what if your child is interested in something to do with food or cooking or hospitality? What if your child loves everything to do with computers or technology? What if your child is interested in travelling the world and discovering its wonders? What if your child has the skill or ability to run a business or be an entrepreneur?
Don’t force children in a career path – “It makes no sense to force them to follow a career path which is not natural for them, while there are avenues available which will support their future career success in a field that interests them or which they are passionate about.”
Happiness and fulfilment – “Academic and career success is not merely a case of doing well, but of doing well and being happy and fulfilled while doing so. It is important that our focus fall equally on the other half of the equation, not simply the surface considerations of success.”
There are many ways to fulfilment in life, but if we have the opportunity to choose something which may lead to happiness and fulfilment, then we should do so, Dr Pienaar says.
“Parents can help their children make a start on this road by allowing them – with the help of education experts at their school – to choose subjects appropriate to their desired careers wisely.”
