Activities to Help Kids Decide What They Want to Be When They Grow Up
Prof. Rachel Gali Cinamon of Tel Aviv University, who studies work and family life, says that professional life, "...begins to develop from birth in messages a person receives from their parents and from society." Ideas are reinforced about which careers are "proper," which are appropriate for boys and for girls, and which professions are particularly respected and/or highly paid. Give children the means to make an informed decision by encouraging activities that will help them decide based on their interests and talents, rather than perceived expectation. Ultimately they will be happier this way.
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Fantasy Stage
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Eli Ginzberg, a career theorist, thinks children below the age of 12 are going through the career development "fantasy stage." Many early job-based obsessions about nursing and hairdressing, for example, will be grown out of relatively quickly, but some toy preferences and pretend play ideas may develop into a mature hobby that builds skills and influences career decisions. So, at this stage, try not to impose your ideas, but notice toys she is particularly interested in and show encouragement in her choices. Expand on her natural curiosity with books, toys and DVDs that incorporate her favorite themes.
Hobbies and Activities
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With so many after-school activities and special interest clubs available, your child should have scope to explore his interests. Encourage him, whatever he decides to do. Praise any achievements, be impressed at his knowledge and join in if he wants you to. If your kid likes flying remote control airplanes, perhaps ask if he'd like to build one with your help. He'll probably be flattered that you're taking an interest. Let him lead the project, but take the opportunity to discuss not only the obvious career choice of pilot but what it is that airplane engineers and designers do, for example. Don't pressure, but if he's willing to talk, it's a good chance to get him thinking about his options. Do research yourself so that you know what you're talking about.
Preteens and Teens
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At this stage children can also start to get some practical work experience. Summer jobs and voluntary work give them chance to try out different types of employment. They will start to get a feel of the kind of environment they'd like to work in. Maybe they prefer to spend their time outside, rather than cooped up in an office, or perhaps they'll decide that they like working with people. These things will help them narrow down their options. Use your professional contacts and social network to get them work experience in industries they think they might like. Established traditions like National Job Shadow Day are great for further exposure.
Professional Career Guidance
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Ensure your child takes advantage of careers guidance resources offered by her school. She will have access there to careers counselor and will most likely be given career aptitude and employment-related psychometric tests to try and figure out what professions will suit her.
Teenage and Beyond
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Let your teen know that his happiness is more important to you that anything else. Tell him it's alright if he doesn't know what he wants to do yet and that that you'll support him and be happy with whatever he chooses.
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