You should not try to control your parents' actions.
Nick's parents are going through a rough patch and his mother has started a new job his father disapproves of.
Nick wants his father to be happy.
Nick convinces his father that the job is a perfect opportunity for his mother and makes him feel good about it.
Nick tells his mother that the job is not for her because she is too old and not competent enough.
Nick's mother feels supported by her family and thrives in her new job.
Nick's mother doubts herself so much after that that she ends up quitting her new job.