Teens today aren’t interested in being doctors and engineers. Instead, they are more interested in being DJs, scuba instructors and what-not!
With a little bit of convincing, parents also seem to give into their demands! “My son wanted to become a DJ when he was 14 and like any other parent, I thought it was a phase! When he started to spend hours creating new tunes everyday, I knew he was serious. Since he was really passionate about it, we decided to let him pursue it, as long as he makes a little time for studies, just incase music doesn’t work out for him,” says Seema Fahed, a freelance make-up artist.
Parents today are understandably wary of their kid’s choices, so what was the deal breaker? “I fell in love with EDM and knew that this is what I want to pursue. I convinced my parents by telling them that I wouldn’t give up on my academics entirely and figure out how to do both,” explains Azaan Abousher, Seema’s 17 -year-old son.
While some found their passion when they were in their teens, others knew what they wanted to do when they were little! “My daughter wanted to become a choreographer and pursue dance instead of studying but it was too much of a risk. So we compromised and she did a correspondence course in college while dancing at the same time” explains Sony Mitra, a teacher.
But with Bollywood breaking stereotypes, kids today have it relatively easier. “My mother wouldn’t let me give up on studies entirely as she was concerned about how it would hit off. Bollywood is filled with people who have had immense success despite not focusing on their academics but as a back up I decided to study anyway to keep her calm,” says Richa, Sony’s daughter.
Not only musicians and actors, but sportspersons are also known to put their sport first, and focus less on studying. “My son’s coach informed us that he is really good and will go a long way if he spends more time practicing. My son too seems to love it, so we decided that he should focus on his swimming and can study at home since he won’t have energy to take part in school activities at the same time,” says Kanchan Chawla, a home maker.
But one doesn’t need academic qualifications to become a renowned sportsperson, and that’s the mindset Manav, Kanchan’s son is going with. “A number of sportspersons like Rehan Poncha and Shikha Tondon put their academics in the backseat and represented India at the international level! So I don’t think I’m letting go of anything by focusing only on swimming right now,” says the 16-year-old, confidently.
Children today clearly know what they want to do in the future and won’t let anybody tell them otherwise. “It’s about time that kids today take charge of their own happiness. I’ve seen so many people being so unhappy doing a 9-5 job. They’re craving to do something else but weren’t allowed to do so. I’m glad parents today are putting their kid’s happiness ahead of other people’s opinions” opines clinical psychologist Mamtha.
