Alex's Answer

Greetings from Ireland!

Hey there! First off, we want to say that we hear you, and we understand how frustrating it can be when you have your heart set on something and your parents aren’t on the same page. It’s tough when you’re passionate about something like music or art, and you feel like you’re not being heard.

When it comes to talking to your parents about this, it’s essential to approach the conversation calmly and respectfully. Start by expressing your love for music or art and why attending a specialised school in this field means so much to you. Let them know how it aligns with your interests and goals for the future. Sometimes parents just need to understand the depth of our passion and how it can positively impact our lives.

Try to understand where your parents are coming from too. They might have concerns about your future career prospects or worry about the practicality of pursuing a career in the arts. Show them that you’ve done your research and have a plan for how you can excel academically while pursuing your passion. Open communication is key. Listen to their concerns and address them thoughtfully. Perhaps you can come up with a compromise that satisfies both parties, like attending extracurricular programs in music or art while still pursuing a traditional academic path. This article may be helpful for you www.childline.ie/what-to-do-if-your-parents-expectations-are-stressing-you-out/.

Remember, it might take time for your parents to come around, but don’t give up on your dreams. Keep the lines of communication open, and hopefully, they’ll see how important this is to you. And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to or just need some support, you can always reach out to us at Childline. We’re here for you, anytime, for any reason through our webchat service at Childline.ie (just click on the purple Messenger tab). Unfortunately, our freephone service only works for people who are in Ireland.

Look after yourself, and let us know how you get on,

Alex