How to Talk to Kids About Careers
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We’ve all heard this question, one time or another, as kids. Some parents have even asked their kids this question recently. But is this question really about discovering your kids’ career paths or telling them the career you want them to choose? Here are 4 simple tips to help you talk to your kids about careers:
1. Have open conversations:
Choose relaxed moments where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, like during a car ride or a casual family dinner. Ask them open-ended questions such as, “What activities do you enjoy the most?” or “Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn?” Avoid pressuring them with specific career-related questions; instead, focus on understanding their interests.
2. Explore Online Resources:
Check out videos designed for kids that provide visual insights into various professions. The Earlybean app is a great place to start 😉. Platforms like YouTube often have engaging content showcasing real people in different careers. This is also a great time to share your personal experience of how you found your career path.
3. Encouraging Skill Development:
Discuss skills that are valuable across various careers, like communication and problem-solving, and encourage them to learn skills or take courses that align with their current interests.
4. Highlighting Diverse Pathways:
Introduce your child to professions beyond the typical doctor, engineer, or lawyer, such as content creators, YouTubers, or web designers. Emphasize that pursuing what they love can lead to fulfilling and unexpected career paths. Also, let them know that it’s okay not to have everything figured out at a young age. Share stories of people who changed career paths or discovered new passions later in life.
Talking to your kids about their future careers should be a journey of discovery, not a conversation with a predetermined outcome. By having open conversations and encouraging curiosity, you can empower your kids to find their own career paths. By the way, we have a course on career exploration for kids on our app. Click here to check it out today.