Let their dreams soar…
‘…You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
“My son isn’t paying attention to his studies. He is completely engrossed with colors and painting. My husband and I work very hard to send him to a good school. And look at him – wasting time on drawing and painting.” This was what a neighbor was telling me the other day about her 6 year old son. That set me thinking about how parents must handle the interests of their children. Actually this topic was in my mind ever since I watched ‘3 Idiots’.
Let us set aside the topic of what parents expect from their children. All parents have expectations. I too have. But what really matters is encouraging the interests of children – be it dance, painting, computers, science, wildlife or even space travel.
Here’s one familiar example. A child does not learn to walk on his own one fine morning. He falls down many times before taking a few confident steps. It is same in the case of ambitions too.
Day 1: “Mom, when I grow up, I’ll become Superman and save the world.”
Day 2: “Everyone says I look like Shah Rukh Khan. A film star – that’s what I’m gonna be.”
Day 3: “Did you read this Harry Potter book? Wish I could write something like that.”
Day 4: “Isn’t that exciting? Working in Africa as a vet.”
So as you can see, kids experiment with different interests and nurture the most out-of-the-world dreams before realizing their real passion. Parents have a vital role to play throughout this entire process – helping kids identify and develop their interests.
Wondering how to identify the interests of kids? The next time you take your kids to the park, let them decide what they want to do. Most kids dash off to the nearest swing or see-saw. But if you catch sight of your little one simply staring at a line of ants marching alone, leave him alone. Don’t push him to join the other kids. Let him observe the world around him. Who knows, maybe this curiosity will lead him on to a career in science.
Once you have identified your kid’s talents, it’s time to guide and support those talents. For example, if your child’s wall scribblings have begun to take on clear shapes, get him some drawing sheets and water colors. If nothing fascinates your child like science, get him some books on simple scientific experiments.
As I always say, every child is unique – with different interests and abilities. So don’t worry if your kid’s grades aren’t as good as his friends. Simply let your child follow his dream. One never knows what wonderful opportunities life has in store for him!
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
…You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.’
-‘On Children’ by Kahlil Gibran
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
…You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.’
-‘On Children’ by Kahlil Gibran
“My son isn’t paying attention to his studies. He is completely engrossed with colors and painting. My husband and I work very hard to send him to a good school. And look at him – wasting time on drawing and painting.” This was what a neighbor was telling me the other day about her 6 year old son. That set me thinking about how parents must handle the interests of their children. Actually this topic was in my mind ever since I watched ‘3 Idiots’.Let us set aside the topic of what parents expect from their children. All parents have expectations. I too have. But what really matters is encouraging the interests of children – be it dance, painting, computers, science, wildlife or even space travel.
Here’s one familiar example. A child does not learn to walk on his own one fine morning. He falls down many times before taking a few confident steps. It is same in the case of ambitions too.
Day 1: “Mom, when I grow up, I’ll become Superman and save the world.”
Day 2: “Everyone says I look like Shah Rukh Khan. A film star – that’s what I’m gonna be.”
Day 3: “Did you read this Harry Potter book? Wish I could write something like that.”
Day 4: “Isn’t that exciting? Working in Africa as a vet.”
So as you can see, kids experiment with different interests and nurture the most out-of-the-world dreams before realizing their real passion. Parents have a vital role to play throughout this entire process – helping kids identify and develop their interests.
Wondering how to identify the interests of kids? The next time you take your kids to the park, let them decide what they want to do. Most kids dash off to the nearest swing or see-saw. But if you catch sight of your little one simply staring at a line of ants marching alone, leave him alone. Don’t push him to join the other kids. Let him observe the world around him. Who knows, maybe this curiosity will lead him on to a career in science.
Once you have identified your kid’s talents, it’s time to guide and support those talents. For example, if your child’s wall scribblings have begun to take on clear shapes, get him some drawing sheets and water colors. If nothing fascinates your child like science, get him some books on simple scientific experiments.As I always say, every child is unique – with different interests and abilities. So don’t worry if your kid’s grades aren’t as good as his friends. Simply let your child follow his dream. One never knows what wonderful opportunities life has in store for him!
Comments