Seeing children succeed at sports can be a way for parents to live their own dreams
Millions of parents admit they live their life vicariously through their children by encouraging them to hit the highs in sports and hobbies which they never achieved, as researchers have found that nearly half of parents have encouraged their offspring to go down a certain path in life because it was something they were keen to do.
Two thirds of those parents said they had persuaded their child to progress certain career choices and 37 per cent said they encouraged them to pursue certain subjects at school or college because they personally enjoyed them.
The poll found 38 per cent of parents said there were things in life they had never achieved and therefore wanted their kids to pursue.
One in five parents admits they push their kids to excel at sport because they’re convinced they could have made it as a professional sportsman but never had the opportunity with the most popular being football, followed by swimming.
If some parents feel they didn’t have the opportunities or chances to pursue things they wanted to as youngsters then it’s understandable that they then encourage their children to.”
More than one in ten also confessed to pushing their child to do a sport or hobby that they didn’t want to do.
A further 30 per cent of parents would actively encourage their child to take part in talent shows, while a third said pushing children made their dreams achievable. Despite this, a more laidback 30 per cent of mothers and fathers said they would never push their child to do something they didn’t want to.
The study of 2000 parents was conducted by Simple to coincide with its Spotlight On Talent competition, where the skincare brand is offering a £15,000 scholarship fund to one lucky youngster to pursue their talent.
A spokeswoman for Simple said: “It is tempting for parents to lead their children towards certain hobbies and interests that they loved as a child, but it’s important for children to find their own way too.
“Naturally everyone wants the best for their children and it’s understandable they need a nudge when it comes to releasing their potential.
“Some youngsters will need guidance from parents when it comes to making big life choices, whether it’s what interests to take part in, what subjects to study or choices about further education.
“If some parents feel they didn’t have the opportunities or chances to pursue things they wanted to as youngsters then it’s understandable that they then encourage their children to,” she added.
The study also found that 68 per cent of parents say they want better for their kids than they had, as nearly a third of those that completed the survey said that they wished their parents had spent more time ferrying them to and from classes or lessons.
Nearly three quarters have said they would never begrudge picking up and dropping off their children at numerous events and classes.
“Most parents have their children’s best interests at heart, but pushing them down a certain route they wanted to pursue can backfire," the spokeswoman said.
“Children need to learn from their mistakes and as a parent you do have to stand back to some extent and let your children pursue their own goals and dreams.
“We want to empower young people to help them achieve their talent independently by offering one lucky person a £15,000 scholarship to take their talent to the next stage.
"Whether they want to be the next British athlete or even prime minister, this scholarship will help them get a step closer," she added.
FemaleFirst @FemaleFirst_UK
Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM
Tagged in Parenting children children's health Parenting News