Dear Parents!
We know what you want for your child. We know that you want them to be as happy and successful as they can be and carve their own niche in this world. We know that you want them to stay protected and safe in this horrible horrible world. We know that you want just the best things to happen for them. We know you do.
But....
Whenever you choose to tell them that they can't become something just because they chose a different stream, or because you think that they would land up in a not-so-lucrative job, or that they need to fulfil your childhood dreams which you couldn't fulfil; you're plunging them deeper into the abyss of stereotyping.
We know that all you can see around the world are people who have become successful in a conventional way. They have Government jobs, they probably own a house or flat, they own a car and go on vacations from time to time. They probably have swanky offices or have a fleet of people responding to their constant beck and call. And we know that you want the same for your child too. What's wrong with that, you'd ask. A very legitimate question, for sure. You definitely deserve an answer.
What is wrong with this is the very idea of success that you attach with it. You consider someone as successful when they qualify for your definition by possessing all the above-mentioned attributes. When you think that your child earns enough to maintain the luxuries of a lavish life. When you think that your children get married at the right age and have their own children at the perfect time.
Dear parents, times have changed. Success is no longer associated with cars and luxurious brands. Not at least in this generation. Yes, we are quirky. Yes, we do weird things. Yes, sometimes we step our mark, too. But isn't that something that you did too, according to your parents? Remember those Bell-bottoms which were so in fashion and you desperately wanted a pair too but were chided from your parents for being fashionable? Or those days when you wanted to mingle with students belonging to opposite sex but were scared due to the societal norms? But did that stop you? You started it, didn't you? You probably didn't notice it, but you had already begun the change.
In these days where we are connected to the world just a click away, we are definitely in a better position to understand and get informed about current affairs. We like that. No matter how much you blame our phones, you secretly panic when we go out without them. You want to stay connected to us, don't you?
The new age has changed so much, so why don't you also open up your minds to the possibilities that we might want different things for our careers? Granted, you would think that it won't be stable, it won't be beneficial/ safe enough. But since when has it been? Your times were tough too. Just because we have innumerable private colleges does not imply that we all want to study the same course and become the same thing that others are being forced into.
You see the facade around lives. Yes, you've been around here for a longer time than us but you know what, we have caught up with the information too. Experience is something which you garner on your own. We are ready to do that. We are ready to let ourselves go. But when would you?
Next time when you tell your child to become a doctor just because your distant cousin is a doctor and earns in lacs per month, remember to also look at how desperately he tries to hide his everyday journal and gets sad when he doesn't get a chance to write in it.
When you look at an engineer and all you can see is her package with one of the biggest companies in abroad, also try looking at her old wardrobe which still has all her dresses from her dancing performances. And she can't let them go because they remind her of her glorious days on stage.
When you look at an MBA and discuss her pay package and perks in an MNC with Rupa Aunty from next door, remember that she once told you about her accolades in singing and how much she loved to practice in the mornings. How much you used to appreciate her honeydew voice, keep that in mind too.
Dear Parents, every time you see someone who is successful in your own definition, please try looking at it from their perspective and you will understand that happiness does not lie in the brand tags. Look at your child, look into her eyes and tell her she can become what she wants to. You tell your children about your dreams everyday, for once let them dream for their own selves. And trust us, you would never regret this decision of yours. Your child might not get an Audi by doing what he loves, but take it as a given that he would be happier if he drives in a little Brio or Beat to the office where he loves working. That, can not be bought or sold.
And who says that living your passion does not let you dream big? You want luxuries, they'll come their way. But what is more important? Their happiness or quick money?
Stability is very subjective. So is success. Think about it. Don't kill a dream to buy success. It would remain nothing but a bitter echo of failure.
Hope you understand. :)
From
Eh! We're the kids next door. Or the ones sitting right there next to your room. :)
