In modern societies, parents are increasingly active influencers in their children’s choice of careers. The term ‘helicopter parents’ has been coined by sociologists to describe parents who pay extreme attention to their children’s experiences and problems, particularly on educational matters. Is this wrong?

Career counsellor Lorraine Grech believes students are facing a dilemma when choosing their future career paths as a result of undue pressure from their parents. It is not surprising that many children look at their parents as role models. Some parents today are the third or fourth generation to work in the same profession or business. Baby boomers are particularly keen to ensure that their children go to University and graduate in a profession that provides a comfortable lifestyle and prestige in the community.

A 2015 survey conducted by Ernst and Young and GTI Media in the UK found that 54 per cent of students said their parents tried to exert influence over their choice of career. Only 27 per cent said their parents had discussed alternatives to university with them. Perhaps more interestingly, 66 per cent of respondents did not object to their parents’ attempts to influence them. They thought this was the right thing to do.

Some young people do take the advice of their parents regarding career doors open to them. Generations of parents who never followed tertiary education had the understandable ambition that their children would continue with their studies as basic education is no longer sufficient to secure a good job in today’s increasingly sophisticated economy.

However, there is a downside when parents try to impose their prejudice and bias on children. There is, for instance, a strong bias among some parents in favour of academic qualifications and against vocational education. This often leads to children who have a dislike for academic subjects but love practical education to end up frustrated as they are forced in academic streams when they would flourish in vocational courses.

Parents’ high standards sometimes influence children to pursue activities they think will win the approval of their parents. Some parents punish their teenagers for not obtaining straight As in their exams or criticise their choice of humanities degrees instead of a practical profession such as law and medicine.

While the realities of the jobs market should be explained well to every young person following tertiary education, parents will do well not to impose their specific expectations for their child’s career. Children should be encouraged to explore a great variety of professions and careers so that they can ultimately choose one based on their own preferences instead of those of their parents.

Vocational routes in education are becoming increasingly rewarding for students, especially for those who would normally abandon their education at the age of 16 or earlier as they become increasingly frustrated with academic learning. There will always be a need for fundamental building blocks in every young person’s education, including competence in speaking, reading and writing in English and Maltese, as well as numeracy and basic IT skills. This skills tool set is indispensable for all students.

All parents want their children to be happy and respectable members of society. They may need to relax more to see their children succeed.