How to Support and Nurture Your Child's Passions
September 06, 2018
It can be difficult to set aside our own expectations of what our child’s future should look like or be, but doing so can be essential to their success. Here are some useful tips on how best to emotionally invest in your child’s future.By Roma Steffen
Often, it seems to us that our child is like a clean, unwritten piece of paper or clay that we can form freely. We make huge mistakes believing that we will make him/her a person whom we "always wanted to be" or choose their path thinking we know what is best.
A child is born with certain potential, which if properly developed will allow them to master specific skills. The passions and interests that are supported early and intensely enough can possibly lead to their future career.
However, it is the implementation of one's own interests that is primarily a source of motivation for action, which prevents boredom or giving up monotonous activities that do little to develop the child's natural abilities.
Whether children devote themselves to an interesting activity for a long time depends on the family and peer environment in which they are being raised. This involves the need for parents to model by their own example, those passions that are an essential element of life. The task of the adults is to navigate the child wisely.Children's interests can be impermanent
Younger children
Starting from the nursery stage of a child's life, their interests are rather impermanent. It does not mean that parents should not pay attention to or develop the interests of their children; instead, it should be done in moderation. Let them try various activities to see which ones they may not only take an interest in but also excel. You should not force the child when the willingness to continue weakens.School-age children
School-age children are interested in a vast assortment of interests, some of these being: plants, animals, science, technology, sports, painting, or literature. Taking the time to talk to your children on a daily basis--finding out what happened during school or the interesting things that occurred with their classmates--can and will help you learn more about your child's passions. Developing their interests and passions requires a lot of commitment from the parents. Some things include praise and encouragement, support and motivation of a win or defeat, and watching the child's performances during competitions and exhibitions. All of this can take an excessive amount of time; however, it can pay heavy dividends if we engage in these tasks appropriately. Even if our child does not become a master in a certain field, thanks to the constant support that parents offer, the child will have a parent that they confide in and count on both in good times and bad. Time devoted to expanding a child's 'passion is never lost.Advice for parents
- Adjust your expectations to the real possibilities of the child. Do not try to "make" your child become a copy of someone else or force them into something they will later blame you for.
- Do not compete with your own child! Support them, praise them, and constantly encourage them to develop their own passions.
- When the child experiences successes and failures, be present with words of praise and/or consolation. Set aside as much time as needed, ensuring you experience their important moments such as contests, performances, and exhibitions.
- Do not accelerate or force things. If, despite your efforts to give your child an excellent example, they show disinterest, it may be that they just need time to show their talent. Do not give up on them or your own efforts. Follow with care and observe your child so that you do not miss the important moment when something will become especially important to them.
- Be vigilant and attentive. Sometimes passion can take over the child. Be sensitive when it is difficult for your child to deal with failure or when they want to be the best at all costs.
About the Author
Roma is an 'Eduprenuer'. In her international career of 15 years, she combines a passion for education with entrepreneurship. Roma has owned and managed successful schools and businesses in the USA, Africa, Asia and Europe, and has been a teacher and a college/corporate lecturer across several different countries, teaching students ages 4 to 72. She is a strong believer in lifelong learning. She resides in Bangkok with her family of 6 and teaches at an international school and lectures for an online college.The views expressed in the articles in this magazine are not necessarily those of BAMBI committee members and we assume no responsibility for them or their effects.BAMBI News welcomes volunteer contributors to our magazine. Please contact editor@bambiweb.org.