It's never easy helping your child choose a career path. Parents want only the best for their kids. For many, lucrative jobs in engineering, medicine or technology hold the keys to a fulfilling and successful life.

But what if your child doesn't think so?

Would it break your heart if your kid wanted to pursue a career in non-profit? Is there a right or wrong way of steering kids towards the "right" jobs?

How parents and children feel

You're not alone in feeling anxious for your child's future. Your son or daughter may be more worried than you are.

In a 2013 report by ACT.org, most high school students have a tendency to choose college majors that don't interest them. Out of 80 percent of ACT test-takers who knew which degree they would pursue, only 36 percent chose a major that suited their interests.

But according to counselors, that's not surprising. There are plenty of factors that make this process difficult for youngsters. These can include any of the following.

• General outlook about the world

• Guidance from the school or parents

• Employment forecasts

• Economic and social changes

• Media and peer pressure

• Personal interests and hobbies

As it's understandably challenging for kids to decide on careers early on, some moms and dads seriously take on the task to help. According to a 2016 survey by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), 90 percent of parent respondents would steer kids in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. However, 87 percent admitted concerns if their children pursued jobs as STEM teachers.

Participants reported they would prefer their kids to practice careers as doctors, engineers or anything computer-related. But why? To those being surveyed, STEM teacher pay was a huge issue, with 70 percent of parents expressing pay as a major problem.

If your son or daughter is considering becoming an educator, don't fret just yet. Remember kids, especially teens, are still indecisive about what they want to be when they grow up.

In Texas, for instance, eighth graders feel pressured to pick a career path together with the school's counselor. Counselor Bethanie Skipper, who helps students chart employment paths, says it's OK for kids to be confused:

"You're picking a choice, but I'll tell you right now this doesn't mean we're with this to the very end." Skipper added, "We're just going to take these classes and if we need to make a change we go back to the drawing board."

How parents can help children

According to America's Career Resource Network, parents have the greatest influence on a child's career choices. Sound stressful? Here are simple things you can do every day to begin instilling a sense of choice in your young ones.

1. Be observant

Children showcase special talents or preferences early on. But at this point, it's too early to assume they'll be in a certain role simply because of their likes. Remember kids change.

To encourage healthy choices, opt for themes instead of specifics. When you might be tempted to say "My child loves drawing, so she's going to be an artist," try saying "My child likes expressing her thoughts in creative ways." This opens up doors and helps avoid labels.

2. Encourage goals

It's normal for kids to say, "I want to be the world's greatest doctor!" or, "I'll play in the NBA when I grow up." But as a parent, it's important to make goal-setting realistic and attainable. Child and adolescent psychotherapist Katie Hurley, LCSW, suggests breaking down goals into bite-size objectives with a deadline.

If your kid wants to play in the NBA, for example, encourage him to sign up for his school's team first. Then you can work with him to make at least two baskets each game.

Having realistic yet challenging goals helps children become responsible, confident and resilient individuals later on.

3. Nurture relevant skills

Ensuring your children are equipped with decision-making capabilities will make the road towards fruitful careers less bumpy.

Author and educator Jim Taylor, Ph.D. recommends coaching kids towards decision-making skills slowly. For example, if your child dreams of becoming a vet, give them real opportunities they can take part in. Accompany them to career fairs, let them volunteer at animal shelters, etc. Showing them the behind-the-scenes work to their chosen careers helps them get a sense of what their future might be like.

As a parent, journalist Cindy Krischer Goodman of The Miami Herald also has the dilemma of steering kids towards fruitful careers. More than just paychecks, she hopes she will help her daughter navigate through the complex and sometimes disheartening labor market:

"I also want my daughter to have enough room in her choice to create the kind of work-life balance that allows her to earn a good paycheck without sacrificing family, health or sanity."

The parents Goodman interviewed for her article share the same sentiments. Ginny Simon, founder of Ginnybakes and mother of four sons, said, "Do not lock yourselves in too tightly. Make sure there's room for movement in whatever field you choose."

Meanwhile, law firm executive chairman and father of four Cesar Alvarez advises his children to focus on transferable skills. Because supply and demand will dictate career choices after high school, having a back-up plan is crucial.

Parents have a huge role to play as career influencers. They are the ones who ensure kids are prepared for a demanding world. Perhaps the best way to steer children towards a brighter tomorrow is to assure them that they always have a choice. And, more important than acquiring the right skills, is being armed with strong values.

Your kid will need your help every step of the way. And while he or she may not always heed your career advice, at the end of the day, if they're happy, that's OK.

The post Is it OK for parents to steer kids towards the ‘right’ careers? appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to a 2015 data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), among 60.6 percent of married families both parents are working. Despite this, the number of married women in the labor force is still low. In the study, mothers with younger children (below six years old) have lower participation rate in the job market than those with older kids (between six to 17 years of age). Meanwhile, the employment rate of married fathers continues to remain high.

It's no longer surprising that many parents both choose to take on jobs - even if one of them is already earning enough to sustain a good life. Dual-earning families may be argued as having more financial capability, but the challenges they face are real. Those with children find that the stress is oftentimes overwhelming, whereas the kids also suffer from lack of time and personal connection with parents.

But is this truly the case? How do kids today deal when both of their parents are working?

Busy parents: the downside

In a post from the American Academy of Pediatrics, they enumerate the pros and cons of having both couples in the workforce.

One of the biggest downsides to a good career is, unfortunately, less time for the children.

Regardless of the industry, the schedule of busy parents typically include: meetings, overtimes and business travel. This doesn't include other time-consuming tasks such as household chores and errands. Then there are social events like friends and dates with your partner.

If parents are overworked, underappreciated, or are experiencing other issues in their workplace, this has the tendency to be carried at home as well. Thus, some individuals may find themselves venting their frustrations on their kids or to their partners.

Bottled up emotions tend to manifest themselves as anger. A child raised in an angry or highly tense environment has the likelihood of imitating these behaviors outside of the home. According to Ernesto Segismundo, M.S., Licensed MFT, some kids even develop depression or resort to vices (i.e. alcohol or drugs) if raised by constantly angry parents.

The stress of the workplace combined with the pressures of the household will eventually spiral into an unhappy home. And who would want to live there? Exchanging expensive gifts for affection is not a good idea either. This is common practice nowadays because many parents work long hours. They don't want their children to feel left behind by peers who have the latest 'toys.' They also see it as a way to treat their kids. But children still want to know about YOU. Buying your kids' love is not going to make up for lost time or connection.

Busy parents: the bright side

Thankfully, it's not all an unhappy picture. Working couples need not feel guilty about having a career or being busy at work. As long as children don't feel neglected and there's open communication, families can remain happy and healthy.

One of the best things about having both parents working is that they become positive examples for their kids. They will see the value of hard work early on. This is especially true for female kids growing up with working moms. They won't feel threatened by the workplace; and instead, see this as a world of abundant opportunity and growth. Kids actually feel proud of their parents for having successful careers.

Busy moms and dads also have the chance to teach kids the unique skills they employ at their jobs. For instance, parents whose work involves administration can help kids be more organized at home or at school. On the other hand, those in more creative industries can teach kids the concept of imagination and inspiration. These skills should aid them later on in life and at work.

If parents are social at work, they can form friendships with like-minded adults who have children as well. This can lead to playdates or special events, which can widen the kids' social experiences. By meeting different people from different age groups (and also in their own age bracket), children can learn more about themselves and the world. This should prepare them for more social interactions in the future.

What kids really want

It's not a sin for parents to do well in their jobs. In fact, it can reflect positively on the children - as long as there's balance between quality time and communication.

What children are mostly concerned about is when their parents become overwhelmed and stressed out. Remember: YOU are their role model. It's important for little ones to see the value of hard work, but at the same time, understand that there's more to life than a paycheck.

Be creative when it comes to finding time with your kids. Here are some examples of what parents can do:

• Some parents wake up their families ahead of schedule to eat breakfast together before a hectic day begins.

• After-dinner rituals like board games or movie night can be established, too.

• Weekends can be reserved for family get-togethers or mini-staycations.

What matters most is that children know they are still loved and appreciated. Kids today understand that times are tough - but they shouldn't have to compete for your attention. It's going to be difficult: but nothing worth having was ever easy. Make time for your family as much as you have time for your job. Your efforts will eventually be rewarded when you see your kids grow up to be well-rounded, successful adults.

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