What does your kid want to be when he grows up?
My husband and I struggle with our son’s future every day. He’s 13. To us, all his interests seem… dumb. Immature. Headed to loserville-ish. That’s terrible right? Because then we catch ourselves thinking only “in the box”. Maybe he will design video games one day … or be involved in software development. Maybe he’ll write comic books. I wonder if Stan Lee’s parents were supportive of his art? Just think what the world would be like if Stan Lee’s father had squashed his dream… A world without Spiderman? It doesn’t even seem possible.
So how do you know when your kid is headed toward ground breaking originality and success? Or eating 3 day old pizza found in the cushions while playing HALO with his roommates?
We’re trying to remove all the negativity and encourage him toward what he loves while also pointing out career and life options that take advantage of his strengths. But I also found a website that you might find helpful. At kids.gov you will find a nice, user friendly site that matches up kids interests with possible career paths. It even gives guidance on preparing for the jobs and how much they pay.
I’m super excited because it helps us all open our minds beyond the traditional jobs that first come to mind, and familiarize us with paths geared toward our child’s specific interests. What unique skills and interest does your child have and how do you think it will serve his or her future?
I think it’s a parent’s duty to encourage a child’s interests, but also to realise when it is definitely beyond them – and if it still is a passion then fair enough, I don’t think discouragement is an option. It’s only if it gets to a point of obsession and where it isn’t a genuine career option that a parent should do anything but help…even if it sounds ridiculous and like a pipe dream.
Great blog
Great post, you highlight some very thought provoking issues. Traditionally we would have been ‘shoe-horned’ into a career by our parents. But the birth of the internet, and increased freedom of speech and creativity have given rise to many unique career paths. I think the idea is to nuture the gifts you see in your kids and encourage them to go as far as they can.
It is of course good to always encourage your child, but I don’t think you should be pushing them in anyway in making career decisions. Let them make their own mistakes and find their own way in the world. They will be stronger and happier for it.
This is what we call mother’s love. It is a lovely feeling watching the baby come into the world for mum and dad and every time the baby smile, parent will smile even bigger. Great post. thanks
I guess its hard to watch your kids while away their evenings playiong video games but they soon find things worthwhile to do.
Thanks everyone! Yes it is tough, BSB, to watch him “waste” time on things that seem silly to us. But like BTS points out, the internet has really changed things since I was a kid, and opened up so many possibilities. With the geographical barrier removed in the way the internet makes things across the world accessible, our kids really CAN be just about anything if they set their minds to it. We parents have to just remember that, right?!
I strongly believe that at an early age, kids tend to show signs of what they will most likely do in the future. it is not a guarantee but what they are interested in will surely have something to do with their skills , profession, career, abilities and talents when they grow up. I was taught how to cross stitch at the age of eight. I am definitely, a needlework enthusiast by now.
We’re trying to remove all the negativity and encourage him toward what he loves while also pointing out career and life options that take advantage of his strengths.
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yes taking advantage of the strengths… encourage and develop the strenght catering to progress.
I was taught how to cross stitch at an early age. No wonder I always like to do any type of needlework project. Even if it’s not my line of work, still it is something I love doing. In fact,a lot of my home accessories are done by cross stitch and other needlepoint crafts.
I like things like this, that help kids find out what they want to do in the future. I don’t have children, but I support applications like this. And I am sure your son will turn out fine. He’s only 13, and even at 18 many people are unsure of their futures. Trust me, he has time!
Most parents in my country will decide for their kids about what to study. Small minority parents will allow their kids to decide. My opinion this is bad. I have seen students doing their 1st year college, mid year they realise that this is not the right degree and they change. Why ??? because parents insist they do that degree. So, to me I would allow my kids to analyse and decide what they want.