The unusual ways Western parents raise children

Re:The unusual ways Western parents raise children by bluGill on Wednesday February 24, 2021 @01:39PM (#26253769)

There is truth to both. The problem with charting your own course as a kid is you often don't really know what is worth doing. "Underwater basket weaving" might be interesting, but it won't prepare you for any future. There are a lot of good choices though, you don't have to be a doctor just because your dad wants you to. And your dad might still be under the illusion that lawyer is a great paying job, when for the most part it isn't anymore (or maybe I'm wrong and it will go back to that? your guess is as good as mine).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The unusual ways Western parents raise children by fossuser on Wednesday February 24, 2021 @01:47PM (#26253888)

I think there's a difference between a parent saying, "You should consider the economic ROI of what you choose to study, the risk of success/failure, and what life it could lead to" vs. "be a lawyer". If your kid really wants to act then they can go to LA and learn what the best way to do that is.

I think parents bias to being risk-adverse in advice for their kids because they only experience the downside risk and little of the upside from potentially riskier paths. I think a good parent would communicate some of this, but that's not a skill everyone has.

A lot parents just don't know that much and are over confident (like most people) even if their intentions for their kid are good. Others leverage their power over their kids to force them into certain paths which isn't great either.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The unusual ways Western parents raise children by paulryanrogers on Wednesday February 24, 2021 @07:55PM (#26258437)

Downside risk being having to support adult children who can't support themselves?

[ Parent | on HN ]