The choice of subjects for the higher education of girls is something that parents often agonise over
The old saying, “It is wiser to know than to suppose”, holds true for professional course options as well. In this age of the service industry, if parents are not adequately aware of the professional career options available for their wards, especially girls, then the situation is like a bland vegetable curry which lacks condiments. Class 12 results have been declared and parents are looking forward to getting their daughters admitted in a decent college for a professional course. It is imperative that parents explore all the options available to help their daughters in making the right choice.
Studies show that parents are the single greatest influence on the child's career selection. It is important for parents to give their daughter support and encouragement to explore the many options available to find the career that fits her skills and interests best, as opposed to trying to living out their own unfulfilled career dreams through their strong daughters. Parents are always in Brownian motion state while taking the call. Because girls are considered physically weaker and less capable than men, they are often overtly protected and supervised to keep them safe — to ensure their physical, sexual, mental and emotional safety.
A streamlined approach is called-for in this situation. Before mentoring our daughters, we need to understand a few things. Suppose I am standing in a coconut garden and you ask me, “How much water per plantIJ” I'd say, “At least 50 litres per plant”. When you go home, if you pour 50 litres of water on your rose plant, it will die. You must see what kind of plant you have in your house and accordingly decide what it needs. Similarly, there is no one standard formula for all daughters. Observe your daughter and try to find out what is her interest domain. It is important to start this discussion as early as possible. Don't wait till they are confused about career choices. If the process is started early, there is less likelihood of youngsters making unwise decisions.
There are some courses which are considered to be ‘masculine'. Engineering, especially mechanical, civil, electrical and aviation, is one of them; political science, law and management are also considered best suited for men. Cultural and environmental factors, rather than biological predispositions, account for the gender gap. However, girls' disengagement with these subjects can be prevented if their natural interests are fostered. Parents can do a lot to nurture their daughter's interests.
Parental encouragement is positively correlated to a daughter's performance. For instance, parents can encourage their daughter's interest in a specific field by talking to them about the advantages and disadvantages of the field. By discussing their daughter's subjects and her inclination towards that field, parents show their approval of the children's interests.
If a daughter shows interest in learning about a particular subject or field of study, her parents can display encouragement by visiting a relevant website for more information on that topic. At times, when the child lacks confidence in a particular subject; parents can offer to provide coaching assistance.
Each of us looks up to people who are better than us. Parents can provide opportunities for daughters to meet women achievers and hear about their career paths. Sincere efforts will enable parents to find at least a few models or real life icons around them. However, if their efforts fail, parents can always take advantage of educative material on television and on the Internet.
Reading good books broaden our outlook. Parents can capitalise on their daughter's interest by reading stream-related books. Studies show that although parents encourage girls to read, they don't typically encourage the reading of books related to their subject. Motivation and subtle follow-ups play an important role in inculcating effective reading habits.
Auto-suggestion theory says that if you tell yourself repeated that you are tired, then you will feel the same even if you have no reason to be exhausted. Similarly, if you say to yourself repeatedly that you are charged-up, after few moments you will feel rejuvenated. Every parent must apply this to take every opportunity to inform their daughter of her strengths. The daughter will view herself as her parents view her. Send your daughter a message of self-reliance and confidence. Tell her that she is smart and has chosen the right career path. Your words will become her beliefs. But be genuine in your praise and be careful not to inflate her ego.
When it comes to fulfilling the responsibility of being a parent of a daughter, it is not only about paying her school fees and sponsoring her wedding. Parents are also responsible for teaching their daughter. Ask your daughter for her opinion on different issues. Ask her how she solved different problems. By questioning, praising and probing, parents can help their daughter sharpen her ideas, refine her thinking, and also help her express her opinions, value her intelligence and choices. Parents need to frame their conversations with her so as to focus on her future, her expectations of higher education etc.