Hello Parents,
Have you ever wondered whether your child will findtheir footing in this fast-changing world? Whether they will be able to build a life better than what we are currently providing? These are not signs of self-doubt. They are signs of love.
These very questions took me to attend a session by one of India's most prominent career counsellors, Mr.Abhishek Gupta, Founder of Highschool Moms, whovisited Ahmedabad yesterday.
Here is what I brought back for you
1. Parenting is Intentional
If your child tries 10 things and drops 7, the 3 they stick with still matter enormously. Do
not give up at the first sign of resistance. Consistent, intentional encouragement has a
compounding effect that shows up years later in ways we cannot always predict. Colleges
recognise these passions and the effort over years.
2. Parenting is Intentional
Stop asking a 12 year old what they want to be. Start noticing how they think, what excites
them, and where they naturally shine. The world rewards critical thinking, communication,
and adaptability far more than a job title decided too early. Remember, your knowledge
about emerging careers needs to stay updated too. Avoid announcing careers for your child
too early on.
3. Parenting is Intentional
Depth always wins over breadth as they grow older.
A child who has genuinely pursued one passion, created something real, or contributed
meaningfully will always stand out over a child with a folder full of participation certificates.
Encourage your child to do less, but do it well.
4. Parenting is Intentional
Universities and employers today look at the whole person, not just marks. Community
service, creative pursuits, sports, leadership roles, personal projects, even part time
experiences all paint a picture of who your child truly is. A holistic portfolio tells a story that
a report card simply cannot. Help your child build that story with intention, across different
areas of their life.
5. Parenting is Intentional
We cannot prepare our children for a world we do not understand ourselves. Read, discuss,
share. Have conversations at the dinner table about what is happening around the world.
Our children learn how to engage with the world by watching us do it
6. Parenting is Intentional
Intentional career thinking should begin as early as Grade 8 or 9. Extra curricular
exploration can and should start even earlier, from Grade 3 to 5. These early years are about
discovery, not pressure. By the time they reach their teens, they will already know
themselves a little better.
7. Parenting is Intentional
Several national boards now issue 90% quite easily. This means that number no longer
carries the weight it once did. Top universities and global employers are looking well beyond
marks. Chasing a percentage at the cost of real learning and growth is a race not worth
running.
I walked out of that session feeling both humbled and hopeful.
My inbox is always open - shivani.raval@theggis.com.
Let us keep this conversation going.
