Son refuses to become doctor

I have a 16 year old son who performs extremely well at school. Since he was young, I have planned for him to become a doctor and have spent substantial amounts of money on his education. He has now shocked me by saying that he does not want to study medicine and instead wants to pursue music and become a producer. I told him that until he turns 18, I am his father and he must follow my decisions. Surprisingly, he says the law gives him a right to participate in decisions concerning his life. Does Tanzanian law really give him such a right?

GK, Arusha

Section 11 of the Law of the Child Act gives a child who is capable of forming views the right to express an opinion, to be listened to and to participate in decisions affecting his well-being. This does not mean that a 16 year old becomes the head of the family or that parents lose their responsibility to provide guidance. Indeed, the Act places important duties and responsibilities upon parents concerning the upbringing and development of their children.

However, as a child matures to form his own views, decisions substantially affecting his future should not simply be imposed upon him without listening to him. You can advise your son, explain why you believe medicine offers him a better future and perhaps even remind him who has been paying the school fees, but his views about his own education and future career should also be taken seriously.