One question nearly every kid hears is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some have a ready answer: doctor, teacher, astronaut. Increasingly, YouTuber, influencer, content creator, and other seemingly out-of-reach careers are making the list.
While parents may cringe at the thought of their child trying to make it as a YouTuber, there is real money to be made in the creator economy by people who understand what makes compelling content or have a particular skill. YouTuber Ryan Kaji of Ryan’s World, who began making videos at age 3, is one of the most famous examples. His net worth has been widely reported in the tens of millions of dollars.
A multimillion-dollar career may or may not be in your child’s future, but that does not mean their interests are not worth exploring. So, how can parents help kids turn their passions into skills that could eventually become a career?
Is Your Kid Ready to Make Career Decisions?
The first question to ask is whether your child is ready to make career decisions at all.
One of the best things about being a kid is that you do not have to make life-altering decisions yet. You do not need to apply for jobs or interview with a potential boss. There is plenty of time for play, exploration, and simply being a kid. As adults, we know all too well how quickly those years pass.
But what happens when your child loves making funny videos, cannot get enough soccer, or wants to take an interest to the next level? Will creating a YouTube channel or joining a competitive sports program drain their passion, or deepen it?
Adding money or serious competition to the mix can make things even more complicated, particularly if your child is not accustomed to managing their own money. For young athletes, pursuing a path that could eventually lead to the professional level can also require a significant investment of time and money, affecting the entire family. Budget-conscious parents may wonder what happens if they pour thousands of dollars and countless hours into a child’s passion, only for that child to move on a few years later.
Kids are notorious for becoming obsessed with one thing, then abandoning it when something new catches their attention. Think about the dinosaur toys, Hot Wheels, Squishmallows, and other once-beloved treasures collecting dust in the closet. Unless your child is demonstrating an exceptional level of ability and commitment, encourage a broad range of interests before narrowing the focus. If they are certain they want to pursue a particular passion, that is fine, but make sure it does not consume 100% of their time.
For example, if your child wants to start a YouTube channel, help them create a reasonable schedule for making and posting videos while leaving plenty of time for school, friends, physical activity, play, and other interests. Filming, editing, and uploading can take considerably more time than kids realize.
Most importantly, make sure your child knows they are allowed to change their mind. Exploring one interest does not mean they have committed to it for life.
What If Your Kid Is Already Making Money?
We have all heard cautionary tales about child stars. A kid makes it big at age 10, suddenly has access to significant amounts of money, and appears to be set for life. Then, through poor financial decisions, exploitation, or simply a lack of preparation, that money disappears.
If your child is already earning money from a YouTube channel, TikTok account, sponsorships, competitions, or another activity, how can you help them develop healthy financial habits?
The subject of children earning money, online or offline, is complicated. Rules can vary by state, and questions about who owns an account, who controls the money, and how a child’s earnings are protected can become particularly complicated for young creators. Some states have also enacted laws addressing the financial rights and protections of children who earn money through online content.
With that in mind, parents should consider consulting an attorney and financial adviser who understand the laws applicable to their situation. They can help determine what steps are required, including whether a trust or other financial arrangement is appropriate for protecting a portion of a child’s earnings.
Taxes are another important consideration. Online income is still income, and parents should make sure they understand their tax responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to teach kids how money works. Rather than allowing every dollar to disappear on the latest toy or trend, help your child think about long-term goals. Saving for college, a car, travel, or eventually a first home can make earning money more meaningful.
Kids are still developing their ability to understand delayed gratification, so parents have an important role in establishing reasonable boundaries. The goal is not to take away the fun of earning money. It is to help children understand that having money also comes with responsibility.
How to Help Your Kid Find Their Passion and Hone Their Skills
What if your child says they want to be a YouTuber but has never made a video? Or, after one season of recreational soccer and a few World Cup matches, they announce that they want to become a professional soccer player?
Kids come up with big ideas all the time, but parents do not have to simply smile, nod, and wait for the next big idea.
Learning to make videos, improving sports skills, or developing another interest can all be valuable ways to spend time. Those activities may eventually lead to a career, but even when they do not, the skills can transfer to other areas.
A child who loves making YouTube videos could discover an interest in filmmaking, animation, marketing, advertising, writing, or graphic design. A young athlete who spends years practicing could develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that serve them long after their playing days end. And sometimes, a passion does not need to become a career at all. There is value in watching your child become genuinely excited about something they love.
One of the most practical ways to support your child’s interests is to find opportunities for them to develop their skills. Fortunately, Austin families have no shortage of options. School-break camps during the summer, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks can be a good starting point. Sports camps and clinics can help young athletes stay active and continue developing their skills during the offseason.
For kids interested in filmmaking, animation, theater, art, or other creative pursuits, specialized camps and classes can provide a structured environment for developing real skills. An aspiring YouTuber might discover that they love storytelling, cinematography, editing, or animation rather than simply filming toy reviews on an iPhone.
There is another bonus for working parents: Camps and classes can give kids a chance to learn, socialize, and have fun while parents get work done.
Let Them Explore
At the end of the day, most parents want to support their kids and see them succeed, whether or not they end up with a multimillion-dollar YouTube channel or a professional sports contract.
So, when your child tells you they already know what they want to be, take the idea seriously. Ask questions. Help them explore it. Find age-appropriate ways to practice and learn. Sign them up for a filmmaking camp if they love making videos. Find a soccer clinic if they cannot get enough of the sport. Encourage them to try something new, too. And do not worry if they change their mind next year and decide they want to be a chef. That is part of growing up.
Have fun watching your child become a well-rounded person with a collection of skills, interests, experiences, and dreams. You never know where those experiences will take them.
Catherine Michalk is a native Austinite, writer, and mom of three. You can follow her family’s adventures at www.catherinemichalk.com.
