By Dr. Prashanth Gowda
Best Child Specialist in HSR Layout
The dilemma of every generation: Should children carve their own journey or walk the road already laid by their parents?
As a child specialist in HSR Layout, Bangalore, I, Dr. Prashanth Gowda, frequently engage with families facing this question. Parents want the best for their children, while children often feel torn between expectations and personal passion.
This inner conflict is more common than we think. So let’s explore it together.
Why Do Parents Want Their Children to Follow Their Path?
It usually stems from love, protection, and personal experience. As the best pediatrician in HSR Layout, I’ve seen that parents often:
- Want to shield their kids from the unknown.
- Hope to pass on a family legacy.
- Believe their profession offers a secure and respected future.
- Fear that unconventional paths may lead to failure or instability.
While their intentions are good, it’s vital to consider the child’s voice in the process.
What Happens When Children Aren’t Allowed to Dream Freely?
In my consultations as a child doctor in HSR Layout, I’ve noticed long-term effects such as:
- Lack of motivation and joy
- Mental health issues like anxiety and low self-worth
- Strained parent-child relationships
- Unrealized talents and creativity
Our role as parents should be to nurture dreams, not replace them with our own.
For more information please watch this video
So, Should Children Follow Their Own Dreams?
Yes—with a balance between ambition and support.
When a child follows their dreams, they are more:
- Motivated and curious
- Resilient in the face of failure
- Emotionally fulfilled
But dreaming aimlessly can lead to confusion, which is why thoughtful parental guidance is so important.
How Can Parents Support Without Controlling?
As the best child specialist in HSR Layout, here’s what I often advise:
- Start conversations early – Learn what makes your child light up.
- Let them explore widely – Academics, arts, sports, technology, and beyond.
- Guide gently, not forcefully – Offer your wisdom without demanding compliance.
- Be open-minded – The world is evolving; so are careers and passions.
- Encourage effort over outcomes – Success follows curiosity and consistency.