Effect Of Parental Influence On The Choice Of Careers And Roles Played In Academic Performance Of Student

The main purpose of this study is the attempt to find out the effect of parental influence on the choice of career among students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study adopted a survey research design accompanied with data collated from both primary and secondary sources. With the aid of convenient sampling technique selected one hundred and fifty (150) participant who are student, teachers and administrator from the five selected secondary school in for the study. Self- structure questionnaire was issued to the respondent of which one hundred forty-one (141) was retrieved and validated for the study. Data was analyzed using simple percentage, presented in frequencies and tables. The study therefore concludes that the role played by parents is very significant in the academic pursuit of their children. More so, other extrinsic factors such as peer pressure, income, prestige, job availability and job satisfaction influenced the students’ choice of career but dominantly parent socio economic status, level of education and family environment affects student choice of career and to a large extent their academic performance.The study therefore recommends that The government should ensure that parenting education programme such as family-centered curriculum and instruction is enshrined in the school programme. This will make parents to be better parents and teachers to their children. More so, it may be necessary therefore for principals or heads of school to organize seminars on parenting styles and its influences and encourage parents to attend so as to adjust to the parenting style that is positive and not only encourage good behaviour of the students but also enhance academic achievement.