By Father Tommy Vlachos

When the time comes for young people to choose their profession, cooperation between parents and children is necessary. We have seen many times that parents wish to see heir children take over their (parents’) profession and business. Often the children have o inclination to follow this profession, but many times they don’t want to go against their parents will or they don’t know what to choose

So, children continue their parents’ profession, but most likely they will not succeed in it. This happens because each man takes care of, and looks after, only of what pleases him. We must love and appreciate what we do. Therefore, parents, remember not to impose in your children the profession which we, parents love.
Cooperation is important in many aspects of our lives. It should take place, when a career decision is associated with demanding studies that require a strong financial support. Children need to be aware of all the possibilities in education, particularly those who don’t have the means to pursue a long and financially demanding education. Unfortunately, they could easily get disappointed, discouraged and confused. Parents, also, need to understand that children differ in their intellectual capabilities and qualifications. As a result, some do better in one field than others in another field. Let’s take a look at a forest. There is not only one kind of tree and grass, but many and different types. This is the beauty of nature. Certainly, we wish our children to reach a high level in their studies and profession, but remember to have honest cooperation and affirm that they’ve made the right professional choice, particularly when a lot of expenses are involved.
About this, our Lord told us the Parable “of the builder of the tower”. In the Gospel by Luke on Chapter 14, verses 28-30, we read: Each big and important business is a tower, which, in order to be completed, requires a lot of labor and money. If these don’t exist how is the work going to get done? There is a danger of much work to remain incomplete, and then Lord’s word applies: That is, lest, after he has laid the foundation and it is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him. Therefore, a thoughtful consideration of such matters is needed by parents and children. Parents must present their kids this reality and together they can assume responsibilities of their decisions. Of course, this need does not arise during primary and high school education since it is usually
free, but during the pursuit of undergraduate and graduate education, when great fortunes are needed. In addition to finances, a lot of studying with vigilant effort and great diligence is required for demanding careers. Parents and children need to remember not to get influenced by professions that are “shining high“. They should appreciate the somewhat “inferior” professions if their kids have an inclination to them. In other words, today people separate professions into impressive and inferior. They give value to the first and somewhat lower value to the second. This should not happen, however, in Christian families.
As Christians, we believe that every honest profession is blessed by God. Let us remember that our Christ worked as a carpenter through His youth. It is true, professions of labor, farming, pastoral and many more were the professions of many great Saints of our Church. The profession does not honor the man, but the man the profession.

Today, all these professions of labor are truly needed and they are efficient in providing good finances. It is imperative parents and children not to look upon these professions with contempt, but should apply themselves in them, especially if there is some inclination toward them. We should never forget that God directs our life and when children and parents work with honesty, they will have God’s blessing upon them. God, to Whom belongs every glory, honor and worship now and ever. Amen. Ω