We had our monthly bible study meeting this past Friday. There are about 8-9 people in my group. Most of them have kids who, at lower range of the age scale, are graduating high school. Part way through the evening the discussion turned from the book we were looking at to the frustration some of them were having with some of their children.
I should mention everyone in our group is Chinese. So there are certain expectations I believe most parents have of their kids. They are pressured to graduate from university and gain some sort of professional employment as an engineer, lawyer, accountant or doctor for example. However, for one reason or another, these expectations may not be met and that can lead to conflict.
I don't think it's enough to tell your child to study hard (particularly if he or she is of marginal intelligence). I believe it's imperative to explain why education is important as well. You have to tell them the consequences of not completing certain levels of education and the options they have if they don't. They need to see the big picture and how it will impact their future.
Not everyone can or needs to attend university. Sometimes a college diploma or learning a trade will suit some people much better. Graduating with a degree in certain fields may leave you not only struggling to find meaningful work, but owing a lot of money in student loans too. It's a lose-lose situation (being unemployed and in debt).
I think children need to be groomed at a young age towards the kind of education that suits them. It has to be something they are able to excel in as well as being practical towards finding work. You need to know what sort of jobs will be in demand at graduation.
As well (on a separate note), kids need to be taught the value of money. This is vitally important. No matter how much you earn you have to learn how to manage what you have and know how much you need to save and invest to guarantee yourself a comfortable retirement.
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