Ballerinas, astronauts, zoo keepers, firefighters — you never know what answer will come out of your child’s mouth when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up. Your young one might be two decades away from getting their first job, but it’s never too early to start fostering that sense of career exploration. 

Use toys as a clue.

If you have a younger child, toys they frequently play with could give an indication of what they find interesting. Play kitchens might mean that your child would love to start cooking with you more in the kitchen. Doctoring stuffed animals or dolls could indicate your kid would gravitate towards a career where they care for others. 

Ask them how they want to feel when they work.

It’s tempting for you, as a parent, to push your child toward lucrative or prestigious careers. However, a growing number of Millennials and Gen Z indicate that they’d much rather be happy than wealthy in their careers. Emphasize to your child that knowing how they want to feel at a potential career can be better than having a “fancy” job. 

Talk about people they admire. 

Every child has heroes, whether they’re celebrities, athletes, or adults they know. By encouraging your child to consider what they like about people they look up to, you foster critical thinking that grows as they age. It can also help them understand that someone’s personality isn’t necessarily defined by their careers. 

Your child’s dream job will probably change with the seasons and with trends, but it’s important to foster a sense of creativity and ownership of their passions. At Lake Forrest Prep, a private school in Orlando, we want to unlock your child’s imagination for their dream job — both in and out of the classroom. For more resources, check out our blog.