This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
Tracey Wairimu, a 20-year-old dancer at East African Dance Empire, knows firsthand the challenges of navigating career choices with parental influence. Despite her mother's initial reservations about pursuing a career in dance, Wairimu has found success in her chosen field.
Wairimu's experience is not unique. Many students face pressure from their parents when choosing a career path, with some parents even trying to dictate their children's choices. However, experts warn that imposing one's own preferences on children can have negative consequences, including rising cases of school dropouts, job dissatisfaction, and depression.
At a recent career fair organized by Standard Group PLC, students and parents alike shared their experiences with career choice. Benson Mwangi, a form four student at Kiambere School Complex, wants to become a comedian, but his mother has been trying to talk him out of it. Philip Gitahi, Mwangi's classmate, has been active in the school's journalism club and hopes to pursue a career in the newsroom, but his parents have different plans for him.
According to Darya Susan, Director at Ma'Taji Career Solutions, parents should avoid imposing their own career choices on their children. Instead, they should provide guidance and support while allowing their children to make their own decisions. 'As parents, we shouldn't try to correct the mistakes we made in our lives by dictating our preferred careers to our children,' Susan advises.
Experts agree that parents can play a positive role in their children's career choices by being role models and providing guidance. Nicholas Maiyo, Kenya National Parents Association chairman, urges parents to be involved in their children's lives and to discuss their career choices openly. 'The parent is the first teacher to the child even before the child goes to any formal learning set-up,' Maiyo says.
By being supportive and understanding, parents can help their children make informed career choices that align with their interests and passions. As Wairimu's story shows, with the right support, students can achieve their dreams and find success in their chosen careers.
