Parents can intentionally build career-exploration skills into their children’s lives from a very early age. Even preschoolers can begin to identify and explore activities that make them happy, which could someday become the basis for a career they love. Consider incorporating these age-appropriate activities into everyday interactions with your child.
We tend to think of peer pressure as an issue facing teenagers, but adults — especially parents — are susceptible to peer pressure, too. If you’ve ever received unsolicited advice or a judgmental side-eye, you know how irritating — even hurtful — peer pressure can be.
As a parent, you want to make sure your child will be well prepared for his or her future career. One of the biggest questions many of us have is, “What kind of jobs will even exist by the time my kid is ready to start earning a living?”
Starting in March 2020 in the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed our nation and forced schools across the globe to shut down as we determined the safest way to keep living and learning. For many parents, this meant adjusting work schedules or working from home so they could take care of, and teach, their kids. Millions of parents across the country — as well as the entire globe — have found themselves taking on a much more active, hands-on role in their child’s education.
What lights a fire? A spark, of course! And lighting a fire of passion, enthusiasm and interest in your kids is one of the best gifts you can give them. It sounds great, but what exactly is a spark and how can you encourage one?
A spark is an innate affinity for a certain activity or topic. Sparks are different for everyone. Think about your own interests or activities you enjoy. You might like solving puzzles, riding horses, or tinkering with models. Sparks are passions that engage us and inspire us to learn, do or become more.