Most children don’t have a clue what they want to do when they grow up. It’s why so many of them end up in careers they don’t like. When they go to college it’s worse, because they’ll spend years on a degree they won’t even use.
Why don’t you help them figure out what they want to do from a young age? Even if they change plans they’ll still be used to thinking about the future. It’s actually a lot harder than it sounds, so we’ll look at how you should approach it.
1. Try To Uncover Their Strengths
We all know kids are born with strengths in different areas, which need to be uncovered quickly. If you leave this to happen naturally they might never find their true powers until they leave school.
Will their strengths help them decide which career path to choose? It won’t force them into a career they don’t like, but it will play on their minds. You’ll always be more successful playing to your advantages.
2. Let Them Try Out Different Things
Your child will find it impossible to explore careers if you keep them trapped in a vacuum. You will need to expose them to lots of new things. Over the years they’ll pick up various hobbies they enjoy doing.
If you’re lucky they could develop a few passions too. Their future career is likely to revolve around one of them if possible. You just need to let them try everything and your child can take care of the rest.
3. Find Them A Selection Of Mentors
Once your child tells you what they want to do, think about who you know pursuing the same career. If they wanted to be a fireman you might know a firefighter in real life. Ask if they can explain the job to your child.
Make sure your child has lots of questions written down. They might even get to visit the place where these mini mentors work. You should be able to reach lots of people unless your child wants to pursue an uncommon career.
4. Children Need Inspiration Friends
Entrepreneurs always talk about how you’re the average of the five people you surround yourself with. The famous quote might not be 100 percent true, but it’s close enough if you investigate further.
Make sure your child has friends who will lift them up their entire lives. We all know it’s bad to get involved with the wrong type of people. You don’t want most troublemakers anywhere near them.
5. Don’t Force Them To Do Anything
If you’re a mechanic you shouldn’t be getting your child electric ride on cars so they can take them apart. Don’t force them to love law, medicine, and engineering because they’ll be able to make great money.
You have to refrain from treating your child as an extension of yourself, which can be difficult for some parents. Kids should only focus on the careers that interest them, or they will begin to feel pressurized.
Finding Out Early Is A Good Thing
Some children like to party in college or travel to find themselves, but it’s good if you find your true calling early. If they start working immediately they’ll be earning a comfortable living while others struggle.
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