They Can

Can parents steal their kid’s life?

This question occurred to me no sooner had I finished reading the following quote.

“Children aren’t coloring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite color.”

To my mind, the quote brings up an important topic connected with the situation when parents live vicariously through their children and, thus, fulfill their unsatisfied dreams. It’s scientifically proven that some parents perceive their kids as extensions of themselves. Therefore, they may neglect the fact that their children are separate individuals with their hopes, dreams, and intentions.

Parents encourage kids to take up what they once gave up on, to practice it as much as possible to succeed, and believe that their actions are well-meant. However, it is not always true. Such compulsive behavior might put pressure on children to try to live up to their parents’ unfulfilled ambitions, rather than pursuing their ambitions. Youngsters do their best to accommodate their parents’ expectations, which may be impossible as they are simply too high. In this case, many kids travel from their childhood to adolescence never feeling good enough and, thus, develop some very serious mental problems.

I am convinced that parents by no means should impose their wishes and interests on their children. It is perfectly fine when kids share their parents’ hobbies. However, it always should be their choice and never an act of coercion.