We Need To Stop Asking Children What They Want To Be When They Grow Up

As adults, we often pressure children to decide what they want to be when they grow up. But what if we stopped asking them to make life-altering decisions before they’re truly ready?

In Nigeria, like in many other places, children are often urged to choose a career path as early as primary school. However, research shows that the human brain isn’t fully developed until around the age of 25.

Teenagers simply don’t have the life experience or maturity to make such significant choices yet. And while it’s tempting to push children to decide their future careers early, we may be causing them unnecessary stress and anxiety.

We Need To Stop Asking Children What They Want To Be When They Grow Up

Instead of focusing on career choices right away, let’s consider helping our children develop skills and experiences that will set them up for success in whatever direction they choose. Here’s how we can make a difference:

Support Your Child in Gaining Work Experience:

Many of us remember working small jobs as children—babysitting our siblings, helping our mother sell snacks, or helping around the house. These experiences teach important skills like responsibility, time management, and communication. If your teenager expresses interest in working or learning a skill, support them in finding a job, whether it’s a part-time role or volunteering during holidays or learn a skill such as tailoring, writing, coding/programming, etc. This builds character and prepares them for the world beyond school.

2. Teach Financial Responsibility:

Money management is a life skill that is often overlooked. By helping children learn to manage their finances; such as saving, budgeting, and spending wisely, we equip them with the tools they need for adulthood. It’s also essential to model good financial habits at home, as children learn by watching their parents.

3. Let Them Fail and Learn:

One of the biggest mistakes we can make as parents and educators is to rescue children every time they face a challenge. While it’s important to support them, it’s equally crucial to allow them to fail and learn valuable life lessons from their mistakes. Whether it’s a part time or holiday job, schoolwork, or personal project, failures teach resilience and problem-solving.

4. Encourage Exploration:

In a world where pressure to excel in one area is high, it’s important to give children the freedom to explore. Allow them to try different activities; whether sports, arts, or other hobbies, without the need to be the best at anything. This promotes creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.

5. Assign Responsibilities at Home:

Chores are not just about keeping the house clean. They are an opportunity to teach teamwork, time management, and responsibility. Children who are entrusted with regular chores learn how to take care of themselves and their space, an essential skill for future independence.

6. Be Patient – They Will Find Their Path:

Rather than pushing children to choose a career path early, we should focus on helping them develop the skills to thrive as adults. Over time, they will gain the confidence and insight to make informed decisions about their future. Our role as parents and educators is to guide, not dictate.

In conclusion, it’s time to stop asking children or teenagers to have everything figured out so early. Instead, let’s support them in building the skills and experiences that will help them thrive in life, whatever career or path they eventually choose. Our children need room to grow, explore, and make mistakes – with our love and guidance.

Let me know what you think about asking children what they want to be when they grow up in the comment section.  

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