How to inspire kids to find a career they want to pursue March 30, 2023 – Posted in: Books, Children – Tags: , ,

The question of what you're going to be when you grow up can often be asked between funny and serious, it can be a good way to break the awkwardness and start a conversation with children you don't know well or haven't seen for a long time. However, lies are bad, from a certain age onwards for the parents of the children themselves this innocent question starts to become a source of anxiety. And while it is good not to pressure children to follow a specific profession, we can from their childhood give them information, triggers and bring them into contact with various professional directions that may attract their attention and interest.

Talking to children about various professions can be done naturally and effortlessly, seizing moments and opportunities. It does not have to be done with the aim of directing, it is important to remember that the more stimuli we give to children and the more professional examples we expose them to, the easier it will be for them to choose what they will deal with in the future.

Visit to the Museum

Okay, by the term museum here we refer to any other place that we like to visit with children, from art galleries, art galleries, zoos, aquariums, theaters, guided tours, parks. Especially in relation to museums you can talk to children about, among others, the profession of historian, archaeologist, museologist, art conservator, artists, folklorists and many more. As for the rest of the spaces, they can be an opportunity to bring children into contact with professions such as veterinarians, biologists, tour guides, animal caretakers, agronomists, geologists, photographers, salespeople. Don't hesitate to talk about less obvious professions, the unsung heroes of these spaces, such as security guards, cleaners, ticket or security staff.

Visiting public services

From hospitals, educational institutions of all levels, banks and other public services, while parents are usually not happy about these visits, for children these spaces are a source of inexhaustible stimuli and undoubtedly constitute an incredible reservoir for discussions concerning infinite professions: doctors, nursing staff, bank employees, postmen, engineers, foremen, gardeners, municipal employees, civil servants of all specialties.  

Visiting a bookstore

A walk into a bookshop or a public library is like a visit to wonderland, and it may be that as an occasion for occupations your mind only goes to the obvious ones, such as bookseller, bookseller or librarian, however it may be occasion to talk about all professions related to the creation of a book, including: author, editor, proofreader, illustrator, graphic designer, typesetter, bookbinder, printer, publisher, distributor and many more. But in a bookstore you can also find a variety of children's books that can bring children into contact with even more professions, in a fun and much more imaginative way.

Unusual professions we love

In a bookstore you can also find the book "Unusual professions we love». In a brilliant text by Alla Hutnichenko and wonderful illustrations by Yulia Kolomoiets, this book guides us through some exceptional and special categories of professions. Hero of the book, Andreas, tells us about the professional qualities of some members of his family. For example, his mother works in a flower shop, his sister is a veterinarian but also a panda hugger (perhaps my favorite profession), he has a grandfather who is a beekeeper and a tea taster (!), while he has a cousin who is a dog breeder and a relative who is a paleontologist. In the pages of this book, children will find the paraphernalia of each specialty, useful information and knowledge, as well as activities. 

On the occasion of your family

As the book above deals with the professions of the hero members, find the occasion to talk to your children about your own professions, as well as those of your close relatives. Take the children with you to your workplace once, if possible, and give them a tour or show them what your job entails by letting them see you in action. Talk to them and let them "interview" you, where you explain to them why you chose this profession, what studies you had to do and share with them strong memories, moments of success and failure (as not everything is rosy in life and children should know) and answer any other questions that arise.

Last note

Whatever profession children decide to follow, parents should not criticize that choice but it is important to show their children that they will support them and help them find their way in the best possible way.