There is a clear difference in planned career graphs and non planned ones. I analyzed some of the careers in close acquaintances, and it was evident that those who were quite clear about their choices from an early age were on the right career track at the right time, whereas those who thought about the options at the last moment clearly missed the bus and had to be content with whatever was available!
Now here comes the responsibility of the parents, no doubt we should not pressurize or impose our thoughts on them but it is our duty to expose them to the various choices available and the way to achieve them. May be we can create a discussion forum kind of system in which children can discuss there career plans with their parents. This will enhance the communication between the parents and the children and the parents will be able to arrange for the information required in a much better way.
The forum system can be started as early as when your child is about ten years and the initial year discussions can revolve around what children want and parents can introduce them to various options available. Later on when they become more clear and specific in their choices they can be given following information in detail-
A) latest options available- what stream of studies is required for a particular option
B) what resources are required –how to gather information from reliable and authentic resources
C) guide them how to be decisive
D) analyzing strengths & weaknesses
E) be careful about the choice of institutes