Parents always want the best for their children, regardless of their background, regardless of their position on the economic, social or class totem pole.  Their dream is that their child will become someone prominent who has excelled in their particular career field.  The hope that surrounds the birth of a child is universal, as proud parents imaginations run wild with aspirations of greatness.

In earlier years, just about every parent dreamed of their child becoming a doctor, lawyer, accountant, banker, engineer or a politician - well let's rethink that last one as well as the lawyer - but on the serious note, these professions represented respect, class, power and paid well enough to secure one’s future and propel one from the bottom of the economic ladder.

There are so many stories of persons who were pushed into a particular profession by a parent, some trying to live vicariously through their child, or simply just wanting the child to be "someone" or as a ticket out of poverty and in some instances, as a pension plan for the parent.  In most cases, these persons are never happy with their profession and either go through life miserable or rebelled against the parent by changing course and pursuing a profession perceived by the parent to be of less prestige.  Often times this change in profession creates a rift between child and parent - the child by now is an adult trying to define his/her own life - but the controlling parent cannot face that reality. 

Parents always want the best for their children, regardless of their background, regardless of their position on the economic, social or class totem pole.  Their dream is that their child will become someone prominent who has excelled in their particular career field.  The hope that surrounds the birth of a child is universal, as proud parents imaginations run wild with aspirations of greatness.

 

In earlier years, just about every parent dreamed of their child becoming a doctor, lawyer, accountant, banker, engineer or a politician - well let's rethink that last one as well as the lawyer - but on the serious note, these professions represented respect, class, power and paid well enough to secure one’s future and propel one from the bottom of the economic ladder.

There are so many stories of persons who were pushed into a particular profession by a parent, some trying to live vicariously through their child, or simply just wanting the child to be "someone" or as a ticket out of poverty and in some instances, as a pension plan for the parent.  In most cases, these persons are never happy with their profession and either go through life miserable or rebelled against the parent by changing course and pursuing a profession perceived by the parent to be of less prestige.  Often times this change in profession creates a rift between child and parent - the child by now is an adult trying to define his/her own life - but the controlling parent cannot face that reality. 

Pursuing a career in the arts was never encouraged, maybe because in most instances it was not a reliable source of income and those careers were not recognized as important.  Professional sport was also a no-no, especially since the odds of making it was so slim, and there was no money to be made in cricket, netball, track and field and soccer.  These were hobbies to be practiced for enjoyment and pleasure, leisure from ones real job.

All that has changed now, and we are seeing many making a good living in various fields which were unimagined years ago. Most notably is the nerd in high school who is now the president of a hot technology company raking in billions.  There is also the slow learner who failed just about every subject in school but is now the star athlete earning millions on the field and even more in endorsements.   And remember the class clown? He is now a popular comedian appearing in movies and touring the world selling out venues.

There are many who have taken the passion and love for a particular item and turned it into a profitable and rewarding business and career.  Such persons have found happiness, fortune and fame all wrapped up into what was once a childhood hobby which they pursued with zeal. Some were discouraged, laughed at and ridiculed; but who's laughing now?

Today's parents need to be able to recognize the talents and natural abilities of their children and encourage them to pursue careers in fields that bring them joy as well as make a meaningful contribution to society. Parents also need to encourage formal education, especially in the arts and sport where the child may not be the performer or star athlete but can pursue a career in the many technical support and management areas that are just as important as the performer and as rewarding financially.

Send comments to Eddy at eddy.edwards@yahoo.com. Eddy Edwards is host of Caribbean Riddims aired on WKAT 1360 am every Saturday 3-6 pm. Visit his website at www.caribbeanriddims.com